23-year old student in Harare arrested for pregnancy termination, foetus found inside a plastic in her room
A 23-year-old student from Danhiko Secondary and Industrial College in Msasa, Harare appeared in court on Wednesday on charges of unlawfully terminating her pregnancy.
The accused, Erica Mbilaya, faces charges of concealment of birth and has been remanded in hospital until November 19. Harare provincial magistrate Ms Ruth Moyo presided over the case.
Court records indicate that the incident occurred on Monday when Mbilaya’s roommate, Ms Vimbai Gudo, discovered her in severe pain in their shared room.
Mbilaya allegedly ingested a homemade solution made from a brownish substance stored in an empty peanut butter jar.
Shortly thereafter, a foetus was reportedly discharged onto the floor, covered in blood.
The foetus showed no signs of life and Mbilaya is accused of placing it in a plastic bag before leaving the room with her satchel.
Mr Lawrence Gangarahwe represented the State in the proceedings.
