By Tendai Makaripe
KAROI, Zimbabwe — A Hurungwe woman has been convicted of concealing the birth of twin infants whose bodies were discovered in a shallow grave near her homestead.
Angela Madzvimbo, 43, was sentenced by the Karoi Magistrates’ Court to six months in prison, with three months suspended on condition she completes 105 hours of community service, according to a statement from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA).
Prosecutors said Madzvimbo left her home on January 2, 2026, while heavily pregnant, telling relatives she was going to look for mushrooms in a nearby bush.
She returned around 2 p.m., no longer pregnant, raising suspicion among villagers.
“The village head questioned her, prompting a search near the homestead where the bodies of newborn twins were found buried in a shallow grave,” the NPA said.
Police were alerted, and she was arrested.
The statement did not indicate the cause of death or whether the infants were born alive or stillborn.
Prosecutors emphasised that the conviction related solely to the offence of concealing birth.
“The law requires all births and deaths to be formally reported, regardless of whether the infants are born alive or stillborn,” the NPA said.
“Failure to follow prescribed legal and medical procedures constitutes a criminal offence.”
Child-protection advocates say cases of concealed births often point to fear, stigma and lack of access to maternal health services, particularly in rural communities.
Social workers have urged families to seek medical help and counselling when pregnancies are in crisis.
“Zimbabwean law obliges parents and guardians to register births and deaths promptly with authorities and health institutions to ensure proper investigations and dignified handling of remains,” said social worker Lisa Williams
The NPA called on communities to report births and seek assistance early, saying adherence to the law protects both mothers and infants and helps prevent avoidable tragedies.
