Online Reporter
Danisa Masuku [email protected]
A 19-YEAR-OLD woman from Bulawayo’s Mzilikazi suburb has appeared in court facing charges of allegedly terminating pregnancy and disposing of twin foetuses in a rubbish bin.
Praise Nyasha Chihwanda appeared on Thursday before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Golden Muyambo facing allegations of unlawfully terminating a pregnancy.
Chihwanda was remanded in custody until 9 June for the commencement of trial.
Prosecuting, Ms Sibusisiwe Sithole told the court that sometime in April this year, Chihwanda suspected that she was pregnant and took a pregnancy test, which confirmed the pregnancy.
“She later obtained an unknown substance from a vendor with the intention of terminating the pregnancy. Then, on 19 May shortly after 9am, Chihwanda consumed a mixture of cinnamon, cloves and herbs at her family home in Bulawayo’s Mzilikazi suburb.
“Later that evening, at about 8pm, she began experiencing stomach pains before bleeding heavily, resulting in the expulsion of two foetuses,” said Ms Sithole.
In a bid to conceal the crime, Chihwanda allegedly placed the foetuses in a plastic bag and disposed of them in a rubbish bin.
The matter came to light on 23 May when a neighbour allegedly discovered the foetuses in the bin and alerted the police. Police launched an urgent investigation, leading to the arrest of Chihwanda.
The two foetuses were subsequently taken to Mpilo Central Hospital mortuary for preservation.
