Mauled remains of baby found in Bethelsdorp

Port Elizabeth pupils found the partly mauled body of a newborn baby in Bethelsdorp yesterday.

The body of the baby girl was found at about 7.30am in an open field between Timothy Valley and Extension 21, police said.

The pupils were on their way to school when they made the grisly discovery.

Police spokesman Warrant Office Alwin Labans said the body was found in a bucket. It had been partly eaten by stray dogs.

“Forensic experts were at the scene and have taken the remains for examination.

“It is suspected that the body was dumped in the field sometime in the night,” he said.

DNA samples will be taken to try to determine the identity of the mother.

Labans said a concealment of birth case had been opened for investigation.