Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu
A 19-YEAR-OLD teen mom, Nothabo Ndlovu from Mboma Village in Dombodema, Bulilima District is assisting the Plumtree police with investigations after she allegedly dumped her one-week-old baby boy and fled.
The baby was found yesterday, 5 September 2025, on the roadside along Mangwe Road in Plumtree town by a passer-by.
Upon realising the baby was still alive, the passer-by immediately reported the matter to the police. An ambulance arrived at the scene promptly and rescued the infant. The baby was taken to Plumtree Hospital where he received medical treatment.
“We received a call at the hospital that a baby had been dumped on the roadside. We then sent our ambulance team to collect the baby. We admitted the baby to our new maternity unit. The baby was stabilised and also placed in a warm incubator. As of now, the baby is still with us and in a stable condition,” said Doctor Joe Nganunu from Plumtree District Hospital.
Miss Ndlovu the mother of the baby, had been admitted to Plumtree Hospital awaiting her delivery date. She gave birth on 23 August 2025 and was discharged from the hospital on 4 September 2025.
“We kept the mother for the routine three to four days post-delivery. We then discharged her with the baby. I do not know what happened afterwards which caused her to dump the baby,” added Dr Nganunu.
A source close to Nothabo, who chose to remain anonymous, said she confessed to dumping her baby, claiming she could not afford to take care of her. Adding that the father of the child also fled to South Africa and that she only lives with her grandparents at home.
Police Spokesperson for Matabeleland South, Inspector Chiratidzo Dube, confirmed the incident, stating that the baby was found alive and taken to hospital and that the mother is currently assisting police with investigations.
“As police, we emphasise the need for community vigilance and support. We urge parents and caregivers to seek help when facing challenges, rather than resorting to such drastic measures. The police are working to investigate the case. We also appeal to the public for information and cooperation in preventing such incidents,” said Insp Dube.
