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A CHIREDZI couple has been fined $20 each for burying their six-week-old baby in a bush without a burial order. Richard Nyamhanga, 36, and Margaret Munono, 31, who reside in Mkwasine pleaded guilty to the charge before Chiredzi resident magistrate Tayengwa Chibanda who fined them.
The cause of death in the matter was not stated, but no foul play was suspected.
The state led by Gladmore Gwara heard that on June 5 this year, the pair’s six-week-old baby died at home and they did not bother to obtain a burial order from the Registrar General’s Office.
“A child aged six weeks died and people gathered. The two accused persons who are husband and wife and the parents of the deceased baby then arranged the burial of the child the following day but did not seek burial order from the Registrar General’s Office.
“It is the state case that they then buried the child at Farm 8/4 Mkwasine, Chiredzi. The matter only came to light on July 22, 2014 at around 1400hrs when the grave of the child was discovered by the herdboy who informed the farm manager who reported the case to the police,” said Gwara.
Police investigations led to the couple’s arrest.
In their defence, they argued that they were not aware that the law required them to obtain a burial order.
“We thought it is not necessary to acquire a burial order since the deceased was only six weeks old. We just proceeded to bury her because we thought it was lawful as we were the parents,” said Nyamhanga.
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