Tendai Muererwa
Mutare-A life that had barely begun ended in heartbreaking circumstances after the body of a newborn baby girl was allegedly dumped in a Blair toilet in Buhera.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through Manhuru Business Centre, with residents struggling to comprehend how a life so new could end in such a devastating manner. The case has also reignited conversations about the need for greater emotional support, counselling and healthcare for young women facing unplanned pregnancies.
According to information gathered by police, the complainant is Winfilder Muradzikwa (43), of Manhuru Business Centre in Buhera, who was also the employer of the accused, Patience Makanyire (19), of Mafuruse Village under Chief Nyashanu.
Police allege that Makanyire concealed her pregnancy for approximately six months.
It is alleged that she later gave birth to a premature baby girl before placing the infant’s body inside a cardboard box, which she kept in her bedroom. Investigations indicate that she later carried the body from her room and allegedly disposed of it in a Blair toilet at Muradzikwa Shop at Manhuru Business Centre.
The heartbreaking discovery was made later that day when 19 year old Onwell Maronga entered the toilet and reportedly noticed the tiny body floating lifeless inside.
Horrified by the sight, Maronga immediately alerted Winfilder Muradzikwa, who reportedly recalled hearing Makanyire crying in her room the previous night. When questioned about the incident, Makanyire allegedly confessed that she was responsible.
The matter was reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police in Buhera on July 26. Police attended the scene, retrieved the body of the one day old infant and conveyed it to Murambinda Hospital for a post mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Makanyire was subsequently arrested and investigations are continuing. Confirming the incident, Acting Manicaland province police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka said investigations into the case are underway.
Assistant Inspector Chinyoka urged members of the public, particularly young women facing unplanned pregnancies to seek assistance from family members, healthcare workers, social welfare officers or trusted community leaders instead of suffering in silence.
“We encourage members of the public to seek help whenever they find themselves in difficult situations. Families and communities also have a responsibility to provide support and guidance to vulnerable individuals. Every child’s life is precious and we urge anyone facing challenges during pregnancy to approach the relevant authorities or health institutions for assistance,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
He added that police remain committed to thoroughly investigating cases involving the death of infants and appealed to the public to report such incidents promptly so that justice can take its course.
