The Western Cape High Court sentenced a young mother to 10 years in prison for killing her baby, it was reported on Thursday.
The Daily Voice reported that Lumke Jordan, 27, was sentenced on Wednesday after pleading guilty to charges of murder and concealment of birth.
She slit her newborn's throat and almost cut off its head shortly after giving birth to him in July 2011.
She dumped the baby in a garbage bag on a rubbish heap in the Never-Never informal settlement in Philippi, where it was discovered by children.
The mother reportedly compared the crime to "killing a chicken".
She had apparently been unsuccessful in approaching an abortion clinic and had gone to a traditional healer for advice.
According to the report, Judge Thandazwa Ndita said it was clear the lack of support from the baby's father and financial troubles had added to Jordan's woes.
However, the court heard that Jordan could easily have placed the baby in foster care or put him up for adoption.
"Resorting to this horrendous action has sent a chill down society's spine. Nevertheless, justice must be handed down with a measure of mercy," Ndita said.
The court had taken into account her age, her children, the time she spent in custody and socio-economic factors which played a role.