Bulawayo Teen Arrested After Allegedly Dumping and Burning Twin Foetuses

A 19-year-old woman from Makokoba has been arrested after allegedly giving birth to twins, dumping them at an illegal rubbish site and attempting to conceal the incident by burning the foetuses. The suspect has been identified by police as Praise Chibwanda. According to authorities, the grim discovery was made by residents early on Saturday morning, triggering shock and outrage within the community.

The newborn twins were allegedly dumped at an illegal dumpsite commonly used by local residents in Makokoba. One resident, Elina Malunga, said she was left traumatised after neighbours gathered outside her home following the discovery.

“It was a frightening scene. Two little newborns were dumped next to my yard, and they appeared to be burnt. How can a mother do that to her children?” said Malunga.

The disturbing incident has sparked widespread concern among residents in Bulawayo, with many calling for stronger mental health support and reproductive health awareness programmes targeting vulnerable young women.

Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson for Bulawayo province, Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, confirmed the arrest of Chibwanda.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that on 23 May, a local resident from Makokoba went out to her garden intending to burn waste,” said Inspector Msebele.

“She used a rake to put together the waste that was not completely burnt and in the process, a blue paper bag was torn, revealing the contents inside it.” “She then saw two fetuses and advised her neighbours and a report was made at Mzilikazi Police Station, leading to the arrest of the accused.”

Police said investigations into the matter are continuing.

The incident adds to growing concern over cases involving infant abandonment and illegal dumping of newborns reported in different parts of Zimbabwe. Child welfare advocates say poverty, stigma surrounding teenage pregnancy, mental health challenges, and lack of social support systems often contribute to such tragedies.

Health and social experts have repeatedly urged communities to improve access to counselling services, maternal healthcare and reproductive education for young women. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the suspect received medical attention following the alleged birth. Further details are expected to emerge as investigations continue.

Bulawayo infant dumping case