A four-month-old baby girl has died at a preschool in Gqeberha after she was found unresponsive more than four hours after being put down for a nap.
The infant was attending Little Learners Preschool Academy in Sixth Avenue, Newton Park, when the incident happened on Wednesday.
According to police, the baby was fed at about 11.30am before falling asleep at around 12.15pm.
Baby Found Unresponsive At Gqeberha Preschool
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said a nanny went to change the baby’s nappy at about 4.30pm, shortly before she was due to leave the preschool with her parents.
“Upon arrival, the nanny tragically discovered the infant unresponsive,” Gantana said.
“The school principal was immediately alerted, and the baby was sadly declared deceased at the scene.”
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An initial report indicated that the nanny alerted the principal, who began performing CPR on the baby.
The resuscitation efforts continued until an ambulance arrived, with paramedics then taking over.
Police Open Inquest Into Baby’s Death
Gantana confirmed that police had opened an inquest into the infant’s death.
She said a postmortem examination had subsequently found that the baby died of natural causes.
“While the investigation into the full circumstances surrounding this incident remains ongoing, at this stage, no foul play is suspected,” Gantana said.
The preschool declined to comment when approached by telephone.
Police have urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the child’s death while the investigation continues.
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“[We extend our] heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the child during this difficult time,” Gantana said.
“The SAPS appeals to the public to respect the privacy of the grieving family and to refrain from speculation, as we continue our fact-finding inquiries.”
