Free State mother in custody after newborn’s body found in freezer

A 27-year-old mother is in police custody after the discovery of a newborn baby in a deep freezer in Odendaalsrus, in the Free State.

The body of the baby was wrapped in a tracksuit top and placed inside a plastic carry bag.

On arrival, police found the body was already frozen and paramedics certified the baby dead.

Police are investigating a case of concealment of birth. Police say the mother was not at the rented house when the body was discovered and after a search, she handed herself over the next day.

Police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng says the mother is expected to appear before the court on Monday.

“The discovery came after the owner of the property wanted to find something from the freezer and that’s when the discovery was made. The suspect will be appearing on Monday at the Odendaalsrus Magistrate’s Court.”