By Nyasha Zhemu
KWEKWE – A 20-year-old woman, Polite Mazonde, has been convicted by the Kwekwe Magistrates’ Court for concealing the birth of her child after abandoning the baby shortly after delivery in a bushy area near Jolo Mine.
The court heard that Mazonde, who was eight months pregnant, gave birth on October 3, 2025, before leaving the newborn in the bush.
“The matter came to light when a resident discovered the remains of the body and alerted others in the compound, leading to a police report and subsequent investigations that resulted in the offender’s arrest,” read part of a statement by the National Prosecuting Authority.
Mazonde was sentenced to six months in prison, but two months were suspended on usual conditions.
The remaining four months were suspended on condition that she completes 410 hours of community service.
“Zimbabwe values the sanctity of life, and the criminal justice system is equipped to deal with individuals who do not value life,” continued the statement.
Cases of concealing births or abandoning newborns are not uncommon in Zimbabwe and are often linked to social, economic, and psychological challenges faced by young women.
Health officials and child rights advocates have long warned that stigma surrounding teenage and out-of-wedlock pregnancies contributes to such incidents, particularly in rural and mining communities.
Under Section 106 of Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act [Chapter 9:23], concealing the birth of a child is a punishable offence.
The law is designed to protect infants and ensure that every birth is accounted for, regardless of the circumstances.
Adolescent pregnancies remain a major public health concern, with thousands of teenage girls giving birth each year, often without adequate medical or social support.
Child protection organisations continue to urge communities to create safe spaces for pregnant girls and to encourage them to seek help from health centres, churches, or social welfare offices rather than resorting to desperate actions.
