**Toddler Found Alone in an Open Field**
A young toddler was found abandoned in an open field near Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, on Tuesday, 4 February. The child, left alone with only a bag of clothes, was discovered by concerned residents who were alerted by her loud cries.
The little girl was crawling helplessly, with no sign of her mother or guardian nearby. Moved by her distress, the compassionate community members quickly took her in, ensuring she was safe and comfortable.
### **Community Outrage and Concerns**
One resident expressed deep concern over the incident, saying, “The child was clean and appeared well taken care of. We cannot understand why the mother would abandon her, especially in a place where she was exposed to danger, including being bitten by ants.”
Another resident condemned the act, stating, “What she did was cruel. She must be arrested and explain why she left her child like that.”
### **Efforts to Locate the Mother**
Community leader Jane Magagula confirmed that a search was conducted to locate the child’s mother but to no avail.
“The child was found in the open space near Esihlahleni in Extension 6, Daveyton. We are appealing to anyone who may have seen a woman walking with a child in that area to come forward with information,” she said.
### **Police Investigation Underway**
Authorities were immediately notified, and the toddler was placed in the care of social workers.
Ekurhuleni district police spokesperson Captain Neldah Sekgobela confirmed that a case of child negligence has been opened, and police are actively searching for the mother.
### **Call for Public Assistance**
Residents are urged to assist the police in locating the mother or any relatives of the abandoned child. Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.
This shocking incident has left the community deeply disturbed, raising concerns about child safety and parental responsibility.