By Yang Ater Yang
Authorities in Lakes State are searching for a mother who abandoned her newborn in a garden in Mathiang Kok Payam, Rumbek East County.
Police spokesman Major Elijah Mabor Makuac reported that on Sunday, law enforcement received information about a baby girl found in a garden in the Mathiang Kok area.
The child was discovered after a passerby heard her cries while fetching water and alerted the police.
“We managed to facilitate the recovery of the child by sending an ambulance from Rumbek centre up to Mathiang Kok village and the child was brought to Rumbek Town where she will be under the care of the catholic diocese of Rumbek, and the investigation is still going on to identify the mother of the child,” he said.
As of now, there have been no arrests or further information on the case, but authorities are committed to finding the mother.
Angelina Adhel Malual, a civil society activist in Lakes State expressed concern over the growing number of similar incidents in the community, stating, “it is unacceptable for a woman to leave her child in a garden.”
Adhel advocates for educating women and girls about their rights and encourages open communication within families.
She said “we must engage community leaders to guide the younger generation and foster a supportive environment.”
“If one man rejects you, another will come along. The child should remain with the family, as this has been our tradition for many years,” she added.