Mother accused of leaving newborn in Lotus River drain attends church sessions in prison as family honours baby Faith
Baby Faith will be laid to rest with a dignified funeral
Image: Supplied
Thirty-one-year-old Ireesha Francis made her second appearance in a packed Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday afternoon, as new details emerged about her emotional state while in custody and the painful journey her family has faced since the death of her newborn baby girl.
Francis faces a charge of murder after the body of her one-day-old baby was discovered in a drain in Lotus River earlier this month.
During proceedings, Legal Aid informed the court that Francis, who remains in custody, has been attending church sessions in prison and is reportedly in a better emotional state than during her first court appearance.
It was further revealed that during one of the sessions, Francis opened up about the tragic day her baby died.
According to what was shared in court, those interacting with Francis observed that she is struggling to come to terms with what happened and is unable to forgive herself.
Outside court, family member Louisa Abrahams told Weekend Argus that the family, with Francis’ permission, decided to hold a memorial service for the baby, who has since been named Faith.
Abrahams said Francis was present when the family chose the baby’s name.
“Faith because we had faith she would be found, Faith because that is what we are leaning on now,” she said emotionally.
According to Abrahams, the memorial service, hosted at the Lotus River Assembly of God Church on Saturday, saw an overwhelming turnout from the community.
“The church was packed to capacity. So many people came forward saying Ireesha’s story touched them and motivated them to speak out, especially when they are in a dark place.”
The family says they are now hoping to lay baby Faith to rest, but are waiting for Francis to emotionally prepare herself for the burial.
“We are hoping to lay baby Faith to rest, but we are also waiting on Ireesha to give the permission and want her to be present,” Abrahams explained.
In a show of support, members of the community have also started a petition calling for Francis to be released on bail.
Francis’ older sister said the support from the community reflects the type of person they know her to be.
“What she did really doesn’t portray the person she is. Something must have triggered her or something in her must have snapped, but I can even vouch for Ireesha that in all the years she never disrespected me once. She carried herself with grace and she truly lived for her daughter.”
Weekend Argus has also learnt that a protection order was taken out against Francis’ boyfriend in February this year.
According to the protection order, Francis allegedly suffered abuse at the hands of her partner, whom she had reportedly been with since the age of 25. He is also the father of her children.
A source close to the family further alleged that Francis had previously opened up about not receiving support from her partner during her most recent pregnancy.
Francis remains in custody.
The matter has been postponed to 28 May 2026 for a formal bail application.