Teen mother dumps one week old baby on roadside

PLUMTREE was stunned after a one-week-old baby girl was found dumped by the roadside and left to die.

The helpless infant was discovered yesterday by a passer-by along Mangwe Road. Sensing the baby was still breathing, the Good Samaritan quickly called for help.

“We received a call that a baby had been abandoned. Our ambulance rushed to the scene and rescued her. She was admitted to our new maternity ward, stabilised and placed in an incubator. She is now in a stable condition,” said Plumtree District Hospital’s Dr Joe Nganunu.
Investigations led police to 19-year-old Nothabo Ndlovu of Mboma Village in Bulilima District, who had given birth on 28 August and was discharged from hospital two days later.

“She was discharged with her baby after routine care. I am not sure what drove her to such an act,” Dr Nganunu said.
A close source revealed that Nothabo confessed to dumping the baby, claiming she could not afford to raise her after the child’s father fled to South Africa. She reportedly lives with her grandparents.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Inspector Chiratidzo Dube confirmed the incident.

“The baby was found alive and taken to hospital. The mother is now assisting with investigations. We urge parents to seek help rather than resort to such drastic actions. Community support and vigilance are key to preventing tragedies like this,” said Insp Dube.
Police are appealing for information to help their investigations as the baby continues to fight for her life under hospital care.