14-year-old gives birth as Limpopo records 191 New Year’s Day babies

A total of 191 babies were born on New Year’s Day in Limpopo. 24 of the babies were born to teenage mothers, with the youngest being 14.

According to statistics from the Limpopo health department, the 14-year-old delivered her baby at the Kgapane Hospital outside Modjadjiskool.

Seven other teens had babies at the same hospital on New Year’s Day.

Last year, a total of 199 babies were born at Limpopo Hospitals, with 28 mothers being teens.

Social Development and police are investigating whether any of the teen mothers are victims of rape or statutory rape.

A 13-year-old girl gave birth on Christmas Day in Seshego in Polokwane. A 28-year-old man who is the father of the teenager’s baby has been charged with statutory rape at the Seshego Magistrate’s Court.

In North West, the Department of Health has reported the successful delivery of 89 babies across the province for New Year’s Day.

According to the department of the newborns, 49 are boys and 40 are girls.

The department congratulated all the mothers and expressed gratitude to healthcare teams, who ensured the safe deliveries.

Spokesperson for the department, Tshegofatso Mothibedi, says, “In Dr Kenneth Kaunda, we’ve got 17, Bojanala 33, Ngaka Modiri Molema 22, DR Ruth Segomotsi Mompati 17. The MEC Sello Lehari wants to commend all the work done by health professionals from EMS personnel, nurses and doctors who made all this possible.”

New Year’s Day | 12-year old child amongst new mothers: