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POLICE in Mabvuku recorded a case of infanticide in which they found the body of a newly-born baby in a plastic bag with the head and legs detached.
National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, confirmed the incident.
“ZRP Mabvuku recorded a case of infanticide in which a mutilated body of a newly-born baby, with detached head and legs, was found in a plastic bag which was being pulled by dogs in Eastview Phase 2,” he said.
This is just one of many similar cases the police have recorded and in some instances arrested the perpetrators. In February, police in Plumtree arrested Future Maphendu (35) in connection with a case of infanticide at Phumuza Village.
The suspect gave birth to a baby girl and used a broken bottle to cut the umbilical cord, which resulted in the death of the baby. The suspect took the body and threw it in well approximately 40 metres deep.
Last year, police recorded a number of infanticide cases in the country. In another case, police are investigating a case where a woman dumped her newly-born baby at a clinic.
“The ZRP is appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of Joyce Chinyama (24), who dumped a newly-born baby boy on October 17, 2021 at Budiriro Poly Clinic in Harare, where she was admitted,” Ass Comm Nyathi said. Police are also still investigating another case of baby dumping which occurred at Mbare Musika in Harare.
An unknown woman boarded an Inter Africa bus before asking a fellow passenger, aged 33, to keep her baby, who was approximately two-weeks old.
The woman did not return to take the baby leading to a police report being lodged.
Police took the baby to Sally Mugabe Hospital for further management.
Meanwhile, police in Dzivarasekwa are also investigating a case in which a foetus was found at a dumping site in Tynwald South, Harare.
No arrests have been made.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter