Woman arrested for hiding birth of a child

Police in Dowa have arrested a 27-year-old woman for allegedly concealing birth of a child.

The suspect has been identified as Malita Sankhani from Mbalame Village in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Mkukula in Dowa District.

According to Dowa Police Public Relations Officer (PRO), Sub Inspector, Gladson M’bumpha, the incident happened on June 30, 2020 at about 03:40AM at Nzula Village in TA Mkukula in the district.

“Facts pertaining to the case are that; on the particular day, chairperson for community policing forum at Nzula Village received information that a newly born baby has been found crying in one of the gardens within the village while unwrapped.

The baby was taken to Byanzi Prison to seek for transport where transport was given for medical examination and treatment at Dzaleka Health Centre,” he said.

M’bumpha said the relatives of the suspect noticed that the pregnancy is not seen on her and that she was bleeding and in great pain.

The Suspect was later taken to Dzaleka Health Centre where she admitted to have given birth and later dumped the baby.

Currently, the baby and the suspect are in good condition admitted at Dzaleka Health Centre.

The Suspect will appear before court soon after being discharged from the hospital and she will answer charges of concealing birth of a child contrary to Section 232 of the Penal Code.

-Manna-