Child abandonment and cruelty cases reported in Eswatini and Bahamas

In Eswatini, a 17-year-old mother was arrested after her six-month-old daughter was found abandoned near the Eteni bridge. The infant was discovered wrapped in a blanket with a bag containing supplies. Following an investigation, police located the teenager in Mbhuleni. She was subsequently released into the custody of her parents after social workers advised against detention. The teenager reportedly cited a lack of support, noting that her mother, who previously assisted with childcare, had been admitted to the National Psychiatric Referral Hospital due to mental health issues.

In the Bahamas, a 20-year-old woman has been charged with cruelty to children after her 10-month-old son was allegedly left in a carrier on a porch in Nassau for several hours. The infant required medical attention following the incident and was still undergoing treatment during court proceedings. The defendant pleaded not guilty in court and was granted $3,000 bail, with conditions requiring her to report to the Elizabeth Estates Police Station twice weekly.