Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
Features Writer
LIFE in Epworth can be challenging, but a recent viral video claiming that a woman delivered over 50 babies using a beverage can as a makeshift razor blade has shocked the nation.
The clip, filmed in Komboniyatsva, just a stone’s throw from Epworth Mission Clinic, has sparked outrage among residents, health professionals and authorities.
While the woman in the video claims she has safely delivered dozens of babies using this method, locals insist the claim is impossible, dangerous and entirely false.
Residents say the video sensationalises struggles for a few dollars, misrepresents the township Epworth community rubbishes viral ‘can razor’ claim and undermines the real progress Epworth has made in healthcare and infrastructure.
Authorities and community leaders warn that such acts, if real, would be illegal, criminal and a threat to maternal and child health.
Ironically, the woman lives within walking distance of several healthcare facilities. Epworth Methodist Church and Zimbabwe Mission Clinic are nearby, Population Services Clinic is about one kilometre away, and Epworth Polyclinic is roughly three kilometres
from her home.
Local residents pay a ZiG10 fare to reach these clinics.
Residents say the claim that anyone would use a beverage can as a razor blade is false and impossible in practice.
“Anyone who claims to deliver babies using a can is lying,” said Panganai Pambeni, a barber at Domboramwari, and a resident for over 30 years.
“It is dangerous, irresponsible and illegal. If someone did that, they should be arrested immediately,” he said.
Another resident, Margaret Marambi, echoed the sentiment.
“This is fake. No one here would do that. Supplies like razor blades are cheap, and in emergencies, people can borrow from neighbours or local tuckshops,” she said.
Rey Dongonda, a youth advocate, said, “This video spreads lies and damages our community’s reputation. It should not be used to shame residents or mislead citizens.
“Stop filming for clicks and start helping,” he added.
“If you see a problem in Epworth, be part of the solution — not part of the cycle that trades dignity for sympathy.”
In Zimbabwe, midwifery is regulated under the Nurses and Midwives Act (Chapter 27:23), which sets out the qualifications, training and scope of practice for midwives.
The Health Professions Act (Chapter 27:19) provides that healthcare professionals must practice within their training.
While the Act does not explicitly prohibit home births, it emphasises that deliveries should take place in settings that ensure safety for both mother and child.
The Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey indicates that home deliveries have declined, but maternal mortality remains high at 651 deaths per 100 000 live births.
This underscores the importance of ensuring deliveries are attended by qualified professionals in safe settings.
Standard razor blades cost roughly ZiG10 each, with a pack of 10 costing about US$0.50.
Surgical blades suitable for medical procedures cost around US$1.
Residents stress that in emergencies, Ubuntu/Hunhu prevails, and anyone in need can access supplies from neighbours or tuckshops without hesitation.
Community Childcare worker Priscilla Rongoti said healthcare delivery in Epworth has improved considerably over the past decade.
“Epworth Poly Clinic, Epworth (Methodist) Mission Clinic, Overspill Clinic, and the Population Services Clinic have strengthened health services in the township,” she said.
“While challenges remain, the quality of care has undeniably improved.”
Margaret Marambi said maternal health services are generally good.
“Pregnant women and children are receiving treatment, and reported shortages are often exaggerated,” she said.
Government interventions, including drilling additional boreholes and improving water access, have reduced risks of waterborne diseases.
Home deliveries remain common, with roughly 20 percent of women giving birth outside health facilities.
Studies show that infants born outside hospitals face higher risks of stillbirth, neonatal mortality, and maternal complications.
Epworth Local Board secretary, Dr Wilton Mhanda, emphasised the importance of proper maternal care but denounced misinformation.
“Reporting on challenges is necessary, but turning struggles into a commodity for sympathy or clicks can harm the community,” he said.
“Our community deserves accurate reporting and tangible support. Ethical engagement by the media and non-governmental ensures we address challenges without misrepresentation,” he said.
In an interview with The Herald, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora denounced such activities.
“We know there are vana nyamukuta (midwives) in our communities, but what this person is claiming to be doing at her home is criminal,” he said.
“We have clinics dotted everywhere, and we cannot have people delivering at home, and in such conditions. It is totally unacceptable,” Minister Mombeshora added.
“In areas like Epworth, we usually record cases of home deliveries driven by teenage pregnancies and other circumstances, but as Government we offer free baby deliveries at our health facilities.
“We do not want such activities to happen.”
Residents stress that no responsible person would use a cut can for deliveries.
“It is a lie, and anyone attempting it should be arrested and prosecuted under the law,” Panganai Pambeni said.
Precious Msindo, Programmes director at Springs of Life Zimbabwe (SLZ), said ethical engagement by NGOs and the media is essential.
“NGOs and the media have a responsibility to ensure interventions are sustainable and focus on solving problems,” she said. “We have witnessed people selling their dignity for a few cents in exchange for false testimonies on camera.”
“Exploiting poverty for attention or funding benefits no one in the long term.
“Sustainable interventions require collaboration, not sensationalism. The focus should be on providing resources, training, and awareness, so that communities and healthcare workers are empowered.”
Residents argue that some media and organisations exploit the township’s challenges for a few dollars, encouraging dramatisation of everyday challenges.
“Stories like these become commodities,” Dongonda said.
“A few dollars can tempt individuals to trade dignity for short-term gain, and that fuels stereotypes about our community.”
Epworth has long struggled with negative portrayals, from reports about the Quarry Dam or Pool of Death to stories on mabhidhiri (supposed Holy Spirit seizures — the falling and rolling that one goes through after visiting shrines run by fake pastors).
Residents stress that such stories ignore the township’s progress.
“Epworth has developed in leaps and bounds,” Panganai Pambeni said.
“We now have regularised residential areas, growing infrastructure, and better access to water and healthcare. We are not just a story of poverty.”
Boreholes have improved access to safe water, and clinics continue to deliver essential maternal and child healthcare services.
Residents say the viral video should spark discussion and action, not exploitation.
The viral video captured national attention, but residents insist that focusing solely on shocking images ignores progress, resilience, and achievements in Epworth.
From infrastructure development to improved healthcare delivery, residents say Epworth is more than its struggles.
While challenges remain, they call for responsible reporting and ethical NGO engagement that prioritises action over clicks, dignity over dollars, and solutions over sensationalism.
Epworth is a growing, resilient community.
Its people are calling for help, not exploitation — and for stories that reflect both their challenges and achievements.
