Solomon Bhumu
Post Reporter
A 32-YEAR-OLD woman from Nyamhuka 1 village in Nyanga was recently arrested by the police in connection with the death of her five-month-old baby.
Manicaland police spokesman, Assistant Inspector Chinyoka confirmed the arrest of Celina Bwititi (32) on charges of infanticide.
“Police in Nyanga arrested a woman, whose negligence and recklessness, resulted in the death of her five-month-old baby,” he said.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said on March 31, Bwititi reportedly took her baby to Nyanga General Hospital for treatment, claiming that the child was ill.
However, the baby was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The police later received a tip-off from a villager, who alleged that Bwititi had threw her baby on the ground head downwards while she was drunk, before taking the baby to hospital.
“The police were alerted by a villager, who did not wish to disclose his identity, who revealed that Bwititi had thrown the baby on the ground while she was drunk, leading to the infant’s death.”
Following the tip-off, the police stopped the baby’s burial to conduct a post-mortem, which was conducted on April 7, and revealed that the child had died from head injuries, causing brain trauma.
Bwititi was immediately arrested on charges of infanticide.
“Mothers have a crucial role in safeguarding their babies, and it is essential they take all necessary steps to shield them from harm. The law takes zero tolerance against child abuse and reckless behaviour, and such incidents should be reported to the police,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
