Mom of 'stormwater baby' appears anxious before bail application

A Durban woman accused of discarding her newborn down a stormwater drain is expected to make a bid for bail in the Ntuzuma Magistrate's court on Wednesday.

Emergency workers worked furiously for hours to rescue a new-born baby after a resident heard cries from a stormwater drain. Her mom was sentenced on Friday.
Emergency workers worked furiously for hours to rescue a new-born baby after a resident heard cries from a stormwater drain. Her mom was sentenced on Friday. (Jackie Clausen)

A Durban woman accused of discarding her newborn baby down a stormwater drain is expected to make a bid for bail in the Ntuzuma Magistrate's court on Wednesday.

Baby Sibanisethu, named by the community, was plucked from a stormwater drain in Newlands East in a dramatic four-hour rescue two weeks ago.

Her mother, who is facing a charge of attempted murder, was arrested in hospital last week.

On Wednesday the public gallery of Court B was packed with family and friends of the woman.

Clutching a water bottle, she sat in the witness box, seemingly anxiously awaiting her turn to apply for bail. She was transferred from hospital to Westville Prison.

This is a developing story.