Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
AN amputated human leg, which was partially burnt and wrapped in bandages, was found at a Chitungwiza dumping site yesterday.
Syringes, gloves, bandages and other medical waste were also scattered at the dumping site.
This has promoted authorities to suspect a possible case of negligence by a private hospital which operates in the dormitory town.
Police said the leg may have been part of an amputation procedure and that, instead of being sent for proper disposal, such as incineration, it was unlawfully dumped at the site.
The body part was found by an unidentified woman, who was scavenging for recyclable plastics.
She alerted a Chitungwiza Municipality dumping site attendant who then called authorities to attend the scene.
“When we came to pick plastics for sale today, we found the body part at the site,” said one man at the scene.
“We strongly suspect one of the private hospitals is behind this.
“It is not only unhealthy but unprofessional to dispose clinical residues this way.”
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the case.
“Police are investigating a case involving a human body part dumped at a dumping site in Chitungwiza,” he said.
“On the scene, police found a human leg wrapped with bandages.”
Insp Chakanza said the leg appeared to belong to an adult and was partially burnt.
He added that used syringes, gloves, bandages and other medical waste were also scattered at the dumping site.
“The observations indicate that someone responsible for disposing clinical residue decided to dump and burn it at the dumping site.
“The human leg is under police guard as investigations continue.”
