Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Weekender Reporter
A BABY girl, believed to be around six weeks old, was found abandoned near banana plants at Gaza “O” in Chipinge on Thursday evening, prompting police to launch investigations into a case of exposing an infant.
Acting Manicaland police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, saying that investigations are currently underway.
“I can confirm a case of exposing an infant, which occurred in Chipinge on April 2, 2026, at around 8pm. Investigations are currently in progress to establish the identity of the suspect,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He said the infant was discovered by a passer-by who was walking along a footpath from Gaza “O” Business Centre towards Gaza “O” location.
“According to reports, the informant was walking along a footpath when, upon approaching an open space in the area, he discovered a live baby girl, estimated to be about six weeks old, who had been dumped near some banana plants,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka added that the baby had been left in a relatively secure state, though the circumstances of her abandonment remain a cause for concern.
“The infant was found well clothed and wrapped in a baby blanket. The informant acted swiftly and took the baby to a nearby responsible authority for assistance,” he said, adding that the informant immediately sought help from a local community leader, a move that ensured the child’s safety.
“The informant took the baby to Mrs Sarah Marwa Sithole, a 55-year-old Ward 6 councillor residing at house number 2107, Gaza ‘O’ location. Together, they proceeded to report the matter to ZRP Chipinge Urban. Police attended the scene; however, the accused person is still unknown. Efforts to locate the responsible individual are underway,” he said, adding that the infant had been taken for medical attention and is now in a place of safety.
“The baby was referred to Chipinge District Hospital for medical examination and to ensure her well-being. She is safe and receiving the necessary care. We are appealing to members of the public who might have information that could assist in this case to come forward and report to their nearest police station,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka, further issuing a stern warning against the abandonment of infants, describing it as a serious criminal offence with potentially fatal consequences.
“We urge members of the public to desist from exposing infants under any circumstances. Such actions endanger the life of the child and are punishable under the law. There are safer and lawful alternatives for those facing challenges in caring for a child, including seeking assistance from social welfare services,” he said.
