A 20-year-old woman from Chiwashira Village, Chireya, has been arrested by police in Gokwe for allegedly concealing the birth of a child in a disturbing incident that has shocked the local community.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Zimbabwe Republic Police confirmed the arrest of Janet Mudzingwa, who is accused of giving birth on 22 May 2025 and subsequently discarding the newborn into a disused toilet pit.
“On 24/05/25, Police in Gokwe arrested Janet Mudzingwa (20) in connection with concealing the birth of a child,” said the ZRP.
Further details provided by the police revealed the grim discovery: “Investigations by the police established that the suspect allegedly gave birth to a baby on 22/05/25 at Chiwashira Village, Chireya and threw the baby in a disused toilet pit. The Police has since retrieved the body from the pit.”
The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation, as authorities work to establish whether the baby was born alive and the motive behind the act.
The case has sparked outrage and renewed calls for increased awareness around maternal mental health and reproductive support for young women in rural communities.
Janet Mudzingwa is expected to appear in court soon as police continue their inquiries.
The ZRP has urged members of the public to report similar incidents and to seek help or support in cases of unplanned or concealed pregnancies.
