By Tendai Makaripe
MVURWI, Zimbabwe A 32-year-old woman has been arrested in Mvurwi in connection with the death of a newborn baby girl whose body was later found buried in a shallow grave near her homestead, police said.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police said the case, which they are treating as infanticide, occurred on March 4, 2026, at Chihwe Village 2 Farm in Mvurwi.
Police identified the suspect as Thandiwe Kangara, 32, and said investigations indicate that “she allegedly gave birth alone before strangling the infant and burying the body about 10 metres from her home.”
According to police, the case came to light after a juvenile who had returned from school noticed that the woman’s pregnancy was no longer visible and informed a relative.
The relative then made further inquiries, leading to the matter being reported to the authorities.
Police said the case was reported to ZRP Vivelkia Post on March 5, 2026, resulting in the suspect’s arrest.
The infant’s body was later exhumed and taken to Guruve Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination, police said.
Authorities did not immediately provide further details on the suspect’s court appearance or whether she had secured legal representation.
The case is likely to raise renewed concern over maternal health, mental health support and community-based protection systems in rural areas, particularly where women may give birth without assistance or access to immediate medical care.
Police said investigations are continuing.
