Police in Bulawayo have arrested a 20 year old woman from Palendaba, Bulawayo for allegedly dumping a foetus at a dumping site. Roylnn Ncube (20) is allegedly to have unlawfully terminated the pregnancy before dumping the foetus in a dumping site.
Baby Dumping
The act of baby dumping, where babies are abandoned in public places or left to die, is a serious problem in many parts of the world, including Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. The reasons behind baby dumping can vary, but some common factors include poverty, unwanted pregnancies, lack of access to contraception and abortion services, and social stigma around unwed mothers.
In Zimbabwe, the government and civil society organizations have launched campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of baby dumping and promote alternative solutions. These include setting up anonymous hotlines where individuals can report suspected cases of baby dumping, providing safe havens for abandoned babies, and offering support and counseling to young mothers.
However, the problem persists, and more needs to be done to address the root causes of baby dumping in Bulawayo and other parts of Zimbabwe. This includes improving access to healthcare and family planning services, increasing awareness about safe and legal options for dealing with unwanted pregnancies, and reducing the social stigma surrounding unwed mothers. It is also important to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment for young mothers who may be struggling with the challenges of motherhood.
Police Spokesperson
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the arrest and said, “On the 4th of February 2023, a female adult aged 37 years was walking along a path when she noticed flies around something. She drew closer and she observed that it was a dumped human foetus which was in its decomposing state. She made a report to the police. The foetus was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals mortuary for post mortem.”
Ncube went on to say that on the 8th February 2023 police received a tip-off to the effect that the accused unlawfully terminated the pregnancy and went on to dump the foetus at the dumping site. The police proceeded to her place of residence, interviewed the same and she admitted to the allegations leading to her arrest.
Ncube said, “We are urging members of the public to accept reality that might have befallen them and seek assistance from elders or relatives.” He added that parents and communities are encouraged to support the youth when they find themselves pregnant so as not to push them from terminating pregnancies.
In 2022, Bulawayo residents raised alarm over increase in baby dumping after police recorded about six cases of baby dumping in the city in six months.
