Unveiling a heartbreaking reality: Homeless women in Durban face unimaginable challenges, giving birth in bushes and struggling for survival amidst rising crime.
Image: file
A recent clean-up operation conducted by the eThekwini Municipality's Metro Police on the promenade dunes has uncovered a deeply disturbing situation: homeless women have been giving birth in the bushes and, tragically, some have been abandoning or burying their babies there.
Metro police Area Commander of Beachfront, Colonel Joshua Nkomo, explained that the clean-up was initiated following complaints from joggers and pedestrians about robberies occurring along the beachfront, particularly on the promenade.
“Upon investigation, we discovered that people were being robbed by suspects who then ran into the bushes,” Nkomo said.
The findings revealed illegal structures erected within the bushes, prompting the police to launch operations aimed at clearing these areas.
“From there, we investigated and only to find that there are illegal structures that have been built inside the bushes, and we have formed up the operations to clean up these bushes,” Nkomo added.
The clean-up operation aimed to ensure that no one resided in the bushes, as their presence was contributing to the rising crime levels along the beachfront.
“It is important to note that some of these women give birth to their babies in the bushes, and we happen to recover some of them, and some of them, unfortunately, we recover, and they have passed away,” Nkomo said.
Echoing Nkomo's sentiments, Colonel Boysie Zungu, spokesperson for the eThekwini Municipality metro police, confirmed the grim discoveries: “The municipality can confirm that two infants were discovered in the area. One was found buried in nearby bushes, while the other was found exposed in a pile of dirt. The infant who was found alive was immediately placed in the care of a social worker to ensure appropriate support, protection, and follow-up intervention.”
Following these discoveries, Zungu stated that the case was promptly reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation. The infant’s death was confirmed by medical personnel working alongside the eThekwini metro police.
“The SAPS has since taken over the investigation, with the metro police formally handing over the case. The body was transported to the mortuary by SAPS officials,” Zungu said.
Reacting to the heartbreaking situation, Adeshini Naicker, director of Childline KwaZulu-Natal, described the discoveries as deeply distressing.
“It highlights the extreme vulnerability of homeless women, particularly those who may be pregnant and without access to safe shelter, healthcare, or support. No woman should have to give birth alone in unsafe conditions,” Naicker said.
She went on to highlight that Durban has public healthcare facilities offering free or low-cost antenatal and maternity care through government clinics and hospitals. Additionally, social development departments and local NGOs provide shelters, counselling, and maternal support services.
“However, access remains a challenge for women living on the streets due to fear, lack of documentation, stigma, or limited outreach,” Naicker added.
Naicker emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated response, which should include proactive outreach to homeless women, improved access to maternal healthcare, safe shelters specifically for pregnant women, and stronger collaboration between law enforcement, health services, and social workers.
“Addressing homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse support is also critical to preventing such tragedies in the future,” she added.