Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Shurugwi are investigating a case in which a newlyborn baby was found dumped in a disused mining pit in the Surprise area of Shurugwi.
Considering the case, Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said that the baby was discovered yesterday by two juveniles who were on their way to a church shrine to fetch water when they heard a baby crying.
Inspector Mahoko said that they stopped to investigate and discovered the naked baby crying after being thrown into a disused mine pit. He said that the two juveniles took the baby and proceeded to the church shrine.
The matter was later reported to the police, who attended to the scene. The baby was later taken to Shurugwi District Hospital, where it is said to be in stable condition.
Police Emmanuel Mahoko said, “We are appealing to members of the public who might help with information that can help us identify the mother to approach any nearest police station.
According to the case narrated by the cops, an unknown woman dumped a naked infant next to a disused mineshaft in Shurugwi.
Mahoko said, “Police reports a case of exposing an infant where a baby girl was found crying naked in a bush. This happened on Feb 01, 2024, around 7:00 a.m. in the Surprise mining area in Shurugwi.”
Considering the circumstances, the two female juveniles, aged 17 and 11, were sent from Johanne Masowe church shrine to go and fetch water at a nearby pool.
“On their way, they heard the sound of a crying baby and went to check. There, they discovered a naked infant lying near a disused mine pit with clothes scattered around her,” said Mahoko.
Mahoko confirmed that ZRP Shurugwi attended the scene and took the toddler to Shurugwi District Hospital for medical attention.
Meanwhile, in another unrelated incident, three women robbed cash, mobile phones and clothes last Friday.
Mahoko said on Feb 02, the three women boarded a white Toyota FunCargo in Kwekwe intending to go to Redcliff.
He added that on reaching Redcliff turn-off, the driver proceeded towards Gweru and slowed the vehicle before producing a Columbia knife.
Reportedly, the driver’s accomplices demanded cash and mobile phones from the women and due to the fear of losing their lives, the victims surrendered money, mobile phones and a bag containing clothes, all valued at US $441.
Mahoko said that the women were thrown off a moving vehicle and sustained minor injuries before they reported the matter at Kwekwe Police Station.