Woman arrested for dumping baby

A 26-year-old woman is in police custody in Balaka after she was arrested for concealing birth and allegedly dumping the baby into a pit latrine.

The suspect Mercy Ali allegedly gave birth to a baby girl on the night of 30th April, 2016 and then dumped her.

Balaka police spokesperson Joseph Sauka confirmed the incident saying it came to light after neighbours heard a baby crying from the toilet.

“When they confirmed that it was really a baby, they called the Police who rushed to the scene and managed to rescue the baby with help from the surrounding community,” said Sauka.

He said the baby has now been taken to Balaka District Hospital for treatment and safe custody.

According to Sauka, after questioning, Mercy confessed to have committed the offence saying she did not want her husband who is in South Africa to find out she had given birth to another man’s child.

She comes from Sosala village, in the area of Senior Chief Msamala in the district.