A four-month-old baby girl was laid down for a nap at her Gqeberha preschool and found unresponsive more than four hours later when a nanny went to change her nappy.
The principal and paramedics tried to revive the infant, but she was declared dead at the preschool on Wednesday.
Police spokeswoman Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana told IOL an inquest had been opened into the death at Little Learners Preschool Academy in Sixth Avenue, Newton Park.
She said the baby was fed at about 11.30am and fell asleep at about 12.15pm.
At about 4.30pm, a nanny employed at the preschool went to change the baby’s nappy before she was due to go home with her parents and found her unresponsive.
“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.”
Gantana said a postmortem examination found that the baby had died of natural causes.
“While the investigation into the full circumstances surrounding this incident remains ongoing, at this stage, no foul play is suspected,” she said.
An initial report, seen by IOL, said the nanny called the principal, who performed CPR on the baby.
They continued with the resuscitation until an ambulance arrived and paramedics took over.
The baby was later declared dead.
Approached for comment by telephone, the school said it had no comment.
Gantana said police had conveyed their condolences to the family.
“[We extend our] heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the child during this difficult time,” she 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.”
