The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
An Advanced Level learner at Gomorefu High School in Marange delivered a baby at her lodging and allegedly dumped the newborn in a pit latrine.
The baby was rescued by community members after they heard it crying.
A police report was made before the mother and her baby were rushed to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital were both of them were examined and given a clean bill of health.
Manicaland Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Nobert Muzondo confirmed the incident.
He said the 17-year-old rents a room at Chindoti (Mahati) Business Centre where she resides while going to Gomorefu High School.
“On the day in question, she had stomach cramps and told her roommate about it. As a result, she didn’t go to school. She remained at home, gave birth, then dumped the baby in the toilet. When her roommate went to use the toilet after school, she heard a baby crying and alerted other community members. The baby was retrieved but the mother vehemently refused that the baby was hers,” he said.
However, after intense interrogations from teachers and community members, the minor confessed.
Inspector Muzondo said the minor initially insisted that ‘something’ heavy had fallen came out from her stomach and into the toilet pit as she had been using the toilet.
She later revealed that she gave birth in her room then dumped the baby in the toilet shortly afterwards.
Provincial Education Director, Mr Edward Shumba confirmed the case and said it is unfortunate that an innocent life could have been lost in the tragic incident.
“I can confirm that a Form Six student at Gomorefu High School dumped her newborn baby in a toilet. However, we await taking any further steps on the matter as the mother and child are both currently under police custody.
“We will do all we can to ensure increased guidance and counselling in our schools to avoid incidences like this in the future,” he said, before going on to urge the parents and teachers to provide support and counselling to the young mother.
He also said the Education Ministry is pushing for abstinence as a way of preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
Mr Shumba said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education prioritizes teaching students to respect the sanctity of life through moral education and guidance.
