Partially Burnt Human Leg Found at Chitungwiza Dump Site

By Staff Reporter | Harare

Police are investigating after an amputated human leg, partially burnt and wrapped in bandages, was discovered at a dumping site in Chitungwiza on Tuesday, raising serious questions about the handling and disposal of medical waste.

The human body part was found among rubbish at the municipal dumping site by a woman who had gone there to collect recyclable plastics, according to police and reports from the scene. Used syringes, gloves, bandages and other suspected clinical waste were reportedly scattered nearby, prompting investigators to examine whether the remains and medical materials had been improperly disposed of.

Harare provincial police spokesperson Inspector Luckmore Chakanza confirmed the incident and said investigations were under way. “Police are investigating a case involving a human body part dumped at a dumping site in Chitungwiza,” Chakanza said. “On the scene, police found a human leg wrapped with bandages.”

He said preliminary observations suggested that the leg belonged to an adult and had been partially burnt. “The observations indicate that someone responsible for disposing of clinical residue decided to dump and burn it at the dumping site,” Chakanza said, adding that the human leg was under police guard while investigations continued. Police have not publicly named any hospital, clinic or individual in connection with the incident.

The discovery has nevertheless raised concerns about the potential dangers faced by waste pickers and other people who come into contact with rubbish at municipal dumping sites. According to reports from the scene, the woman who discovered the limb alerted an attendant at the site, who then contacted the authorities. Police officers subsequently attended the scene and secured the remains.

Zimbabwean law provides for the management of healthcare waste generated by health institutions. Section 113 of the Public Health Act states that the Ministry of Health and Child Care is responsible for prescribing how healthcare waste should be managed in healthcare delivery institutions, including waste involving hazardous substances and materials of public health importance.

The Environmental Management Act also prohibits the disposal of waste in a manner that causes environmental pollution or poses a risk of ill health to people. The law further provides for standards governing the handling, storage, transportation, segregation and destruction of waste. While speculation at the scene has linked the discovery to the possible improper disposal of clinical waste, investigators are yet to publicly establish where the leg came from or who was responsible for dumping it.

The presence of medical items around the remains forms part of the circumstances police are investigating. The case is particularly disturbing because municipal dump sites are frequented by informal waste pickers searching through refuse for plastics, metals and other recyclable materials that can be sold.

Police are expected to establish the origin of the human remains and whether any laws governing healthcare or hazardous waste disposal were violated. The investigation was still ongoing at the time of publication.

Chitungwiza human leg found