Ireesha Francis' story: From profound loss to murder accused after her baby is found dead in a drain
A one-day-old baby girl was found in a drain in Lotus River. Her mother has been charged with murder.
Image: Supplied.
The family of 31-year-old Ireesha Francis has broken their silence, sharing the painful experiences she endured in the months and years leading up to the death of her newborn baby.
Francis made her first appearance in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court yesterday on a charge of murder, following the discovery of her one-day-old baby girl’s body in a drain in Lotus River. Speaking anonymously to Weekend Argus outside court, the distraught family described a woman they say had been quietly dealing with profound loss, while trying to maintain a sense of normalcy.
According to relatives, Francis who is also a mother to a three-year-old daughter never disclosed her pregnancy. They say they only became aware she was expecting a baby a day before she gave birth. A family member described her as introverted, yet driven and disciplined. “She was always a very introverted person but has a spirit that no one can deny. She is helpful and always dreamed of excelling in life."
A one-day-old was found in a drain on Sunday.
Image: Supplied
Francis never smoked, did drugs or drank in her whole life and had her first boyfriend at the age of 25. She was just the person who was disciplined and had everything in order, even before she had her first child. “When she became a mother, she was even more strict about life and always wanted the best for her baby.”
Behind that image, however, the family says Francis had been carrying emotional pain following a series of personal losses. Another relative explained that she lost her mother two years ago, and more recently, her father whom they described as her main source of support died just two months ago. “He was her everything. She lost her mom two years ago, and he was her support.” The family also revealed that Francis experienced a miscarriage last year at seven months pregnant, something they believe had a lasting impact on her. “She had planned for that baby. She had everything in place, she bought maternity clothes for herself and clothes for her baby. When she lost the baby, we could see it took a toll on her.”
They say this may explain why she chose not to share details about her most recent pregnancy. “We don’t know if this can be the reason why she kept this pregnancy from us, but this incident and who she is really doesn’t link. We asked her if she was pregnant because she wasn’t carrying very big, but she would say no. Because of the miscarriage, we didn’t pressure her into speaking.” The family is now grappling not only with the case, but also with the impact it is having on Francis’ young daughter.
“Her daughter is asking where her mommy is. This shows the type of love she has for her child. She went to work every day for her child. She is well taken care of and has so much respect. It’s just sad.” They described their current reality as overwhelming, saying they are trying to process the situation while facing public scrutiny. “We understand that people are going to say things and will have their opinions, but this is a difficult time for us, for her child and most probably Ireesha as well, so please pray for us, for her.”
They also urged others to be mindful of loved ones who may be struggling with grief or trauma. “Let this be a lesson to check up on your family members who have suffered miscarriages or death. All we can do now is trust God.”
Francis stands accused of murdering her newborn baby girl after the infant’s body was found wrapped in blankets and plastic inside a drain. The charge was upgraded from child neglect to murder.
According to the State, she gave birth to a healthy baby at Retreat Midwife Obstetric Unit on 1 May, and both were discharged the following day in good health. Concerns were raised when she returned home without the infant, prompting a search by family, community members, CPF and neighbourhood watch groups.
Police later recovered the baby’s body after Francis allegedly indicated where she had left the child.The case has been postponed to 14 May 2026 for a bail application.