Three children in Suva made a heartbreaking discovery when they found the body of a newborn baby girl abandoned in a creek. The tragic incident occurred around 8:30 AM on May 7, 1997, behind the Wailada Industrial Subdivision in Lami, as reported by The Fiji Times.
The youngsters, identified as Niko Verekauta (10), Kini Murimurivalu (8), and Peni Verekauta (12), initially mistook the baby for a doll. Upon closer inspection, they realized the infant was alive but unresponsive and shivering. They quickly ran to get help from adults nearby, but tragically, when they returned moments later, the baby had already passed away.
The baby was discovered wrapped in a pair of red trousers and a white shirt, showing signs of blood. Nearby, a placenta was found discarded approximately half a meter from the baby’s body. Local villagers alerted security personnel at a nearby terminal, who promptly contacted the police.
Authorities confirmed that the baby appeared to have been full-term and was likely abandoned shortly after birth. Ongoing efforts are being made to locate the baby’s mother, who may require medical assistance following the delivery. While police have mentioned the possibility of pressing charges against the mother, their priority remains identifying her to ensure she receives the appropriate care.
This grim discovery sheds light on broader concerns regarding child welfare and the protection of vulnerable individuals in the community. Recent cases of abandoned infants have underscored the urgent need for increased awareness and support systems to safeguard vulnerable children from similar distressing situations in the future.
While the circumstances are undoubtedly tragic, there remains a positive note in the community’s swift response and ongoing police investigations. Such unity may help foster better systems and support mechanisms aimed at preventing these kinds of heart-wrenching incidents in the future, ultimately creating a safer environment for all children. The hope is that increased vigilance and community cooperation will contribute to the well-being of the most vulnerable, ensuring that they are cared for and protected.
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