
Sergeant Thabelo Sigida, a Visible Policing officer from Malamulele SAPS, has gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure justice for a newborn baby boy who was abandoned in a plastic bag along a road in the Masheleni area.
The baby was discovered on December 7, 2024, and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Sergeant Sigida, who was on duty at the time, showed remarkable dedication and care, visiting the hospital regularly, providing clothing for the child, and even giving the baby her own name as an expression of her deep compassion.
Over the course of 29 days, Sergeant Sigida worked tirelessly to uncover the identity of the mother, following every lead and conducting her investigation during off-duty hours. Her efforts were instrumental in finally locating an informant who provided critical information about the whereabouts of the mother.
The mother, a 20-year-old foreign national, was successfully located and arrested on charges of concealment of birth on December 15, 2024. She appeared before the Malamulele Magistrate’s Court on December 18, 2024, and was remanded in custody until December 23, 2024, for a formal bail application.
Sergeant Sigida’s actions have been commended by Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, who praised her exceptional service, courage, compassion, and dedication to justice.