Update

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The investigation into the gruesome finding of a newborn baby in a cupboard took a drastic turn when detectives changed the inquest investigation to murder.

An inquest docket was opened by the Graaff-Reinet Detectives' Unit, following the discovery of the body of a newborn baby in a cupboard at a residence in Graaff-Reinet on the evening of Wednesday 11 September.

Police Spokesperson, Captain Bradley Rawlinson, said the body of the baby, wrapped in a towel and placed in a box, was found in a cupboard in a 22-year-old woman's bedroom.

"It is believed that the young woman gave birth to the child on Sunday 8 September and that the baby was then hidden in the cupboard," Rawlinson said, "When the woman's parents arrived home on [Wednesday 11 September at about 6pm], they suspected that something was wrong and searched her room. They found the body and contacted the police."

At first, the police believed that the baby was stillborn. On Tuesday 17 September, however, an autopsy revealed that the baby boy was born alive.

Detective Sergeant Richard Williamson confirmed that he was still awaiting DNA results to assist with the investigation.

By Monday morning, no arrests had been made.