Police hunt for parent after toddler found alive in Apac pit latrine

Police in Apac District have launched investigations to trace the parent of a toddler who was allegedly dumped in a pit latrine and later rescued alive from a primary school compound.

The baby girl, believed to be under one year old, was discovered on Sunday inside a pit latrine at Apac Pride Nursery and Primary School in Temogo A Cell, Temogo Ward, Arocha Division in Apac Municipality.

According to Brian Eling, the school watchman, he rushed to check the latrine after hearing a baby crying at around 3pm.

“It was around 3pm when I was on duty and I heard the voice of a baby crying. I went there and found this young girl in a pit latrine,” he said.

Mr Eling said he immediately alerted police officers at Apac Central Police Station, who later responded to the scene and rescued the child before documenting evidence.

Residents suspect the toddler may have been abandoned by someone from outside the area.

Rose Ogwal said locals did not recognise the child.

“We are suspecting that the mother of this kid could have brought her from far with the intention of killing her but by God’s grace she survived,” she said.

Patrick Jimmy Okema confirmed that police had opened a case of attempted murder and commenced investigations to identify the child’s parent or guardian.

“A case of attempted murder has been registered. The motive behind the incident has not yet been established, although police suspect domestic violence or child neglect could be among the possible causes,” Mr Okema said.

The toddler was taken to Apac Hospital for medical treatment and care as investigations continue.