Police in Machinga have arrested 19-year-old Victoria Mkhwambala of Lipongo Village, Traditional Authority Nkula, for allegedly dumping her newborn baby in a pit latrine after giving birth alone on February 25.
According to Machinga Police Station’s Officer in Charge, Deputy Commissioner Jane Mandala, the baby was found alive in a latrine at Machinga Health Center after a cleaner heard its cries.
Police and villagers worked together to retrieve the infant, who was then referred to Machinga District Hospital but died on February 26 while receiving treatment.
Authorities later identified and arrested Mkhwambala, who admitted to the act, stating she was unable to care for another child. She already had one child at the time of the incident.
Mkhwambala remains in police custody and will soon appear in court to face charges.
