A shocking case of infant abandonment has rocked the border town of Beitbridge after police confirmed the arrest of a 35-year-old woman accused of dumping her newborn baby in a bush near Chapfuche Tollgate in Bubi. The woman, identified as Patience Chivesera, now faces charges of concealment of birth.
The disturbing incident came to light after passersby reportedly discovered the abandoned infant wrapped in cloth and left in the bushy area a short distance from the tollgate. Authorities were alerted immediately, and police officers quickly arrived at the scene. The baby was retrieved and taken to a nearby health facility for urgent medical attention. Officials later confirmed that the infant was alive but in a fragile condition.
Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest, stating that Chivesera had been taken into custody following investigations that linked her to the abandoned child. “We can confirm that a 35-year-old woman from Beitbridge, identified as the Woman, was arrested in connection with a case of concealment of birth after she allegedly dumped her newborn baby near Chapfuche Tollgate in Bubi. The baby was rescued and is now under medical care. Investigations are ongoing,” he said.
The arrest has sparked widespread outrage and renewed debate over the growing number of cases involving child abandonment across Zimbabwe. Social welfare officers have since been roped in to provide care for the baby while police continue with their inquiries.
Local residents expressed shock at the news, with many describing the act as cruel and heartbreaking. “It is unthinkable that a mother could leave a helpless child in such a dangerous place,” said one resident who lives near the tollgate. “Wild animals and harsh weather could have ended that baby’s life. It is a miracle the child was found in time.”
While cases of abandonment are not new, they continue to highlight deeper social and economic challenges affecting women in Zimbabwe, particularly in marginalized communities. Some activists argue that poverty, lack of support structures, stigma around unplanned pregnancies, and limited access to reproductive health services often push desperate mothers into such extreme decisions.
Woman’s rights advocate Sarah Moyo said the case should be a wake-up call for society to confront the underlying issues. “While nothing justifies abandoning a child, we must recognize that many women face unbearable pressure. Without proper support systems, counselling services, and social safety nets, some resort to tragic choices. We need stronger community-based interventions to prevent such situations,” she explained.
Beitbridge Woman Arrested After Dumping Newborn Near Tollgate
The charge of concealment of birth, under Zimbabwean law, is a serious offence. If found guilty, the Woman could face a custodial sentence. Legal experts note that courts often take into account the circumstances leading to such offences, but the protection of the child remains the paramount concern.
Social welfare officers say the rescued baby will remain under medical observation before being placed in temporary state care. Efforts are usually made to trace relatives who may be willing and able to assume responsibility, but in many instances, abandoned children end up in state-run or private children’s homes.
Statistics from child welfare organizations indicate that dozens of newborns are abandoned in Zimbabwe every year, with cases often occurring in bushes, pit latrines, or roadsides. Many are discovered too late, leading to high mortality rates. Those who survive often face uncertain futures, as the adoption system remains under strain.
Community leaders in Bubi urged the government to intensify awareness campaigns on safe motherhood, family planning, and support services for women experiencing crisis pregnancies. “We need more education and accessible help lines for women in distress. Instead of hiding pregnancies or abandoning children, there should be safe spaces where mothers can seek help without fear of stigma,” said a local councillor.
Meanwhile, the story has ignited strong reactions on social media, with many Zimbabweans condemning the act while others called for compassion and deeper understanding of the social struggles faced by women. Some users demanded harsher penalties for offenders, while others insisted that building a stronger safety net for vulnerable mothers is the only way to reduce such cases.
For now, the focus remains on the wellbeing of the rescued infant, who is said to be stable but under close monitoring. Police investigations continue, and the Woman is expected to appear in court soon to answer to the charges.
The Chapfuche Tollgate case serves as a grim reminder of the challenges facing women in Zimbabwe and the urgent need for stronger interventions to protect both mothers and children. While justice will take its course, many are left asking how many more lives must be endangered before lasting solutions are put in place.
Source- iHarare
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