Online Reporter
Ronald Mpofu
In a heartwarming show of community spirit, Plumtree residents have come together to support a newborn baby boy who was abandoned by his teenage mother along the Mangwe/Sivako road.
The fundraising effort was coordinated by well-wishers through the Residents Association WhatsApp groups for Wards 1 to 6.
Upon learning of the infant’s plight, Mrs Sukoluhle Nleya proposed a community initiative to assist with donations of cash and in-kind items.
Mr Chazani Mpofu and Mrs Nleya voluntarily managed the collection of donations, which they handed over to officials at Plumtree District Hospital.
“We heard that there was an abandoned infant on Mangwe Road. We then spread the message asking for donations on the WhatsApp groups, and the response was very good because we managed to get the basics within five days,” said Mr Mpofu.
The donations, which included rompers, shoes, hats, nappies, a baby towel, tracksuits, jackets, and T-shirts, were delivered to the hospital on 11 September 2025.
Mrs Nleya expressed gratitude to the community, saying, “Let’s keep this kind of spirit up as a community, coming together in times like these. Your kindness and support have made a difference to the little one’s life.”
Meanwhile, the teenage mother, Nothabo Ndlovu (19), is facing legal proceedings at Plumtree Magistrates’ Court.
Mr Mpofu and Mrs Nleya met the infant’s great-grandfather, who appeared deeply distressed by the situation.
The baby was abandoned on 4 September 2025 at around 6 pm, shortly after Ndlovu was discharged from the hospital following a normal delivery. She was arrested the following day after a 45-year-old woman passing by discovered the infant vulnerable by the roadside and reported it to the police.
Ndlovu was remanded in custody by Plumtree Magistrate Blessings Tsingano and is facing charges of exposing an infant.
