Woman behind bars for concealing birth in Thyolo
By Michael Martin//MALAWI
● Newborn found dead in pit latrine
Police in Thyolo District have arrested a 20 year old woman in connection with the alleged concealment of birth after a newborn baby was found dead in a pit latrine.
The suspect has been identified as Annie Bernard, a resident of Chikatuwa Village under Traditional Authority Khwethemule.
Confirming the incident, Thyolo Police Public Relations Officer Rebecca Kashoti said the arrest followed a distressing discovery made by community members on Saturday.
According to Kashoti, the suspect reportedly woke up in the early hours of the morning and went to a pit latrine at her home.
Kashoti said that family members initially believed she was responding to a call of nature, as they were unaware that she was pregnant or in labour.
“Moments later, the Village Development Committee (VDC) chairperson heard cries of a baby coming from the direction of the pit latrine.
“Suspicious of the unusual sounds, the chairperson rushed to the scene to investigate the matter,” she added.
She further stated that upon arrival, he noticed blood stains around the pit latrine, raising concern among nearby villagers.
Kashoti said the chairperson immediately mobilised other community members to assist in determining the source of the cries.
She said: “Villagers later demolished the pit latrine, where they discovered a newly born baby inside.”
Police were informed of the incident and rushed to the scene to take control of the situation.
Kashoti said the suspect was interviewed and admitted that she had given birth and intentionally disposed of the baby in the pit latrine.
She allegedly told police that she acted on her own motives, which are still under investigation.
Both the suspect and the baby were taken to Malamulo Adventist Hospital for medical attention.
However, the baby was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
A medical examination later revealed that the cause of death was hypoxia, a condition caused by lack of oxygen.
Police have since taken the woman into custody and say she will be formally charged with concealment of birth.
She is expected to appear before a court of law soon to answer the charges.
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