An ex-SA Navy diver and diving supervisor found the tiny lifeless body of an infant — believed to be between six and eight months old — dumped at the Orient Beach in East London on Thursday afternoon.
Mike Godfrey, 65, said he was walking along the beach when he made the shocking discovery.
Godfrey regularly walks on the beach to keep himself fit.
He said he saw something lying in the sand but did not imagine it could be a baby.
“Initially, I thought it was a jellyfish. It's only when I went closer to have a proper look that I discovered it was actually a baby,” he told DispatchLIVE.
Godfrey immediately informed the authorities.
“The saddest sight a person could ever stumble upon,” Godfrey said.
“Having walked along the Orient Beach since the 1960s, this beach has only brought many happy memories. Throughout my youth, we played soccer daily, particularly during the December summer holidays. Now in my later years, I enjoy my daily walk along the Orient Beach and then along the Orient Pier. I enjoy watching the flight of the seagulls as they fly away from me approaching.”
Godfrey added: “The Orient Beach and I are soul mates. Paddling and swimming at this time of the year often in the blues, tepid and the safest sea conditions. Fortunately coming from an ex-Navy diving background this 'sorry sight' will not produce nightmares.
“My prayers go out to this little soul. May he rest in peace.”
Police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana confirmed that the tiny body was found by a community member at Orient Beach on Thursday afternoon at about 2pm.
“He then informed a BCM [Buffalo City Metro] staff member and police were contacted,” Kinana said.
An inquest docket will be opened for investigation.
“No arrest made at the present,” Kinana said.
DispatchLIVE
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