Rukwa schoolgirl held for newborn dumping

SUMBAWANGA: POLICE in Rukwa Region have arrested a Form Four student for allegedly giving birth and throwing her newborn baby into a pit latrine at her parents’ home.

The Rukwa Regional Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Shadrack Masija, confirmed the incident, saying the teenager, whose name has been withheld for legal and ethical reasons, gave birth in secret and disposed of the baby shortly after delivery.

“The schoolgirl delivered her baby at home, then threw the infant into the toilet pit and proceeded to attend classes the same day,” said Commander Masija.

Eyewitnesses at the scene, who requested anonymity, said the toilet was nearly full, which may have prevented the baby from being completely submerged.

The infant’s cries were heard by neighbours, who rushed to investigate.

“No one—including her teachers, parents, or neighbours—was aware that the girl was pregnant. After hearing the baby crying from the pit, the neighbours alerted the police, who responded promptly and rescued the child,” the Regional Police Commander explained.

Following the rescue, the infant was rushed to a nearby health facility for medical examination and treatment.

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A medical source at the facility confirmed that the baby is in good health and stable condition.

“The girl showed deep remorse during interrogation and claimed she did not understand why she committed the act,” Commander Masija added.

A medical expert at the facility, speaking on condition of anonymity as they are not authorised to speak publicly, suggested that the student may have experienced a mental health crisis during childbirth.

“There is a high possibility that the mother was suffering from a mental health condition at the time of delivery,” the expert noted.

In a surprising turn, the newborn has since been returned to the teenage mother, who is now caring for the child under close monitoring.

A cross-section of local women interviewed by this paper expressed mixed feelings.

Some were shocked by the incident, while others described the girl as “a fighter” for returning to class shortly after giving birth—although they emphasised the need for mental health support and reproductive education for young girls.