Online Reporter
Leot Mafukashe and Simbarashe Chitsiku
Mutare Bureau
POLICE in Mutare are investigating a suspected case of unlawful termination of pregnancy after a foetus was found in a blocked sewer line on Sunday.
The foetus was found at the Manicaland Agricultural Showgrounds.
Nolan Muguni (38), a plumber from Zimunya who had been contracted by the Manicaland Agricultural Show Society to carry out maintenance work at the showgrounds, found the foetus.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, said Muguni was clearing a blocked sewage pipe when he found the foetus.
He initially opened one blocked pipe and inserted a plunger in an attempt to loosen the obstruction.
He then opened another access point and inserted a plain metal rod to trap the debris that was preventing the smooth flow of sewage.
As he continued rodding the pipe to clear the blockage, the sewage began to flow more freely.
However, when he removed the trapped debris from the drain, he made a shocking discovery – a foetus was among the waste material he had retrieved from the sewer system.
Muguni immediately notified the manager of the showgrounds, Pedzisai Rusero.
The matter was subsequently reported at ZRP Mutare Central, prompting police officers to attend the scene.
The remains were collected and transported to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death, and other relevant details, which might assist in the investigation.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said the identity of the person responsible for the suspected unlawful termination of pregnancy is currently unknown.
“We are appealing to members of the public who might have information that could assist in the investigations to come forward.
“All information received will be treated with strict confidence,” he said.
The discovery has left workers at the showgrounds shaken as the premises are usually a hive of activity, especially during preparations for agricultural events and exhibitions.
Mathew Masinge