Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu
PLUMTREE residents have shown the true spirit of ubuntu by coming together to save a newborn baby boy who was heartlessly dumped by his teenage mother along the Mangwe/Sivako Road.
The baby, just hours old, was abandoned on 4 September shortly after his mother, Nothabo Ndlovu (19), had been discharged from Plumtree District Hospital following a normal delivery.
A 45-year-old passerby was walking home when she stumbled upon the helpless tot lying by the roadside, wrapped only in a thin cloth. She immediately raised the alarm, leading to the mother’s arrest the next day. Ndlovu has since appeared before Plumtree magistrate Blessings Tsingano and was remanded in custody facing charges of exposing an infant.
Shocked by the cruel act, residents swiftly mobilised through their Residents Association WhatsApp groups (Wards 1–6) to provide essentials for the vulnerable child.
Mrs Sukoluhle Nleya, who initiated the drive, said she couldn’t stand by and do nothing.
“When we heard about the baby, I suggested we come together as a community. In just five days, we had rompers, nappies, jackets, shoes, and even cash donations,” she said.
Together with Mr Chazani Mpofu, she collected and handed over the donations to hospital officials on 11 September.
“The response was overwhelming. It really shows what we can achieve when we unite for a good cause,” said Mpofu.
When they delivered the items, they met the baby’s great-grandfather, who was visibly shaken by the ordeal.
Mrs Nleya urged residents to continue looking out for one another.
“This is the kind of community spirit we must nurture. Your kindness has given this baby a fighting chance at life,” she said.
The rescued infant is now safe under hospital care while legal proceedings against his mother continue.
