A newborn baby was found dead in a rubbish bin on Longmarket Street in Pietermaritzburg’s central business district this afternoon, emergency services confirmed.

The infant was discovered by a waste picker, prompting concerned community members to alert Mi7 National Group’s Emergency Medical Services around 4 PM local time.

Upon arrival, Mi7 medics found police had already secured the scene as crowds gathered around the area. Medical assessment confirmed the infant showed no signs of life and was declared deceased at the scene.

The South African Police Service has launched an investigation into the incident. No further details about the infant or circumstances of death have been released.