By Makur Adut

Authorities in Lakes State have intensified search for a woman who abandoned her baby in a garden in Mathiang kok Payam in Rumbek East County.

Lakes State Police Spokesperson Major Elijah Makuac told The City Review on Thursday that police officers received information on Sunday that a baby had been dumped in a garden at mathiangkok area, Rumbek East County.

“A random passerby notice that a baby was crying in the garden, close to a water point, they then called us upon which our officers rushed to area and found the newborn,” Makuac said.

“Thereafter, we called an ambulance which took the child to a care centre, in the Catholic Diocese of Rumbek. We are searching for the mother of this baby. However, we are yet to get any information regarding her whereabouts,” he added.

Angelina Adhel Malual, a civil society activist in Lakes State wondered what would have pushed the mother to abandon her own baby.

“We are trying to empower our women and girls on their rights including how they should handle matters, especially the most difficult ones, so as to survive in society. We ask our people not to shun girls, even the expectant ones, so that they don’t end up making bad decision for feeling rejected,” Adhel said.

She said it was unheard of for a South Sudanese girl dumping or abandoning a child.

“It is today common. We need to have more talks with our girls to ensure the society is streamlined. The elderly people should take the front seat in this, and empower the younger generation,” she said.

“If a man has rejected you, there are other men who will marry you.”