Zvishavane, (New Ziana) – A 23-year-old Zvishavane housemaid has been arrested for suspected infanticide after she allegedly killed her newly born baby and buried the body in a shallow pit, 500 metres away from her homestead.

The incident occurred at Mabhara village, Chief Mapanzure in Zvishavane. Midlands police spokesperson, inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the accused, Odeta Nyakabawo informed her workmate Thembisani Ndlovu (27) that she was having labour pains, and later gave to a baby girl at around 5.30 pm.

At around 6 pm on the same day, she allegedly suffocated the baby by covering her with a blanket. When it was dark she allegedly put the body in a plastic bag and buried it in a shallow pit.

The following morning, Ndlovu asked Nyakabawo about the whereabouts of the baby, upon which she allegedly confessed to killing and burying the infant.

Police later arrested Odeta, and the baby’s body was exhumed and taken to Zvishavane District Hospital pending completion of investigations into the matter.

“Mothers who encounter challenges associated with nursing newly born babies are encouraged to seek help from health professionals,” Mahoko said.

Meanwhile, Midlands police are investigating a suspected case of murder in which a 25-year-old security guard was found dead in a pool of blood in Mtapa Section 6, Gweru.

The incident occurred on 1 January 2024 around 12.30 am.

The body of the man, identified as Xolani Nkomo, had deep wounds at the back of the head, chest and right shoulder.

New Ziana