2011-06-16

Babies Died Of Natural Causes

Post Mortem Findings On Infant Deaths In Cape Town

Cape Town, June 2011 - it has been confirmed by the investigating officer that the 2 infants who were found dead last week at Building Blocks Children’s Home died of natural causes. These were the findings of a Post Mortem carried out by Dr Molefo of the Coroner’s office. Dr Molefo said that she was surprised that the babies had lived as long as they had because they were very sick little babies. It is probably due to the excellent care they received at BBCH that they had survived as long as they had.

One of the infants in question (given the name Sasha Lee by BB) had arrived at Building Blocks in a very weak condition. She had been abandoned just hours after birth outside a church wrapped in a wet blanket. It is not known how long she had been there before she was found. The miracle of her survival was a result of the care she received from Jenny and the staff at BB, who held her constantly and fed her every few hours until she was stable.

The other infant (given the name Lee-ann) was born to a heroin addict and suffered from withdrawal symptoms. She was removed from her mother by Social Services at birth and brought to BB for safety. In the 2 months that these babies were alive, they were never asked about or visited by any member of their families.The children who are sent to BB for safety come from desperate situations, often without any medical records. These two cases were no different.

Throughout this ordeal, BBCH elected to maintain a dignified silence amidst groundless allegations made by Acting Social Development Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela. Kim Killeen says, “As a charity we have suffered huge reputational damage for what happened when unsubstantiated information was commented on in the press. Mr Madikizela’s comments were not only irresponsible for a person in his position but are extremely insensitive to the victims, their families and the staff at Building Blocks who selflessly care for them.” The mortality rate of these children is bound to be higher than normal due to the children’s circumstances and if we are taking on these very difficult cases then we need to have the support of the authorities that are placing the children with us in the first place.

Despite the allegations, there was absolutely no suspicion of death by unnatural causes.

BBCH maintains that their purpose is to protect those unable to speak for themselves. Working almost independently for the last 3 years with the majority of funding coming from abroad, they have fought tirelessly for the rights and protection of defenseless infants. Their attempts to engage with Social Development Services, Patricia De Lille and Helen Zille have been unsuccessful due to a shocking lack of response. Charity Chairperson, Kim Killeen “refuses to accept that they cannot work together to formalize a system that works in the best interest of the children”. We have always tried to lead by example and believe our home could be used as a model of how ‘safe homes’ can be run effectively resulting in happy and healthy children. However, the Legislature and Executive also need to take action on this issue.”

It is sad that such an unfortunate tragedy is how we have managed to get the attention of the authorities. It just seems that the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing in this country.

The lack of support and the opposition from the community is surprising; for example the rate payers association of Pinelands has objected to BB operating a home in the area. What harm is it doing to anyone by protecting the less fortunate? We are not a nuisance to the community. We need the community to pull together now and support us in our bid for consent to run a home for abandoned children, no different to the many large families living in a single dwelling throughout the country.

Having said that we at BB would like to thank the many people who have come out in support of us and especially to Mr Niresh Ramklass - Chief Exec Child Welfare, Mrs Lepan - Commissioner of the Children's Court Wynberg; All at Pinelands Police; Godfrey Norman, Legal Council; Quintus Thom - (Town-planner) and Dr Karl Wicht- pediatrician and Dr Molefo - Pathologist for their unwavering support.

South Africans need to start taking care of their own. A loved and cared for child has a much better chance of growing up into a responsible well adjusted adult who can contribute to the community. A neglected child is going to face the issues of survival which lead to crime and drug abuse.

Kim Killeen