The Sunday News
Sukoluhle Ndlovu, Midlands Correspondent
IN a spine-chilling incident, a Shurugwi woman tried to abort her seven months pregnancy but instead ended up giving birth, and then wrapped the baby in a plastic bag before burying it in a shallow grave.
The matter came to light when Sikhumbulani Nyathi (31) appeared before Shurugwi magistrate Mr Arafat Konzanai charged with infanticide last week. She pleaded guilty.
In her defence, Nyathi told the court that she committed the gory act because the man who impregnated her had denied responsibility.
“The man who got me pregnant denied that he was responsible, he even told me that he has a wife and that he cannot take care of me and the baby. I am unemployed so l was left with no option but to abort,” said Nyathi.
Magistrate Konzanai had no kind words for Nyathi.
“You are an irresponsible adult. If you know you cannot take care of the child why did you get pregnant in the first place. You are a ruthless and inhumane woman,” said Mr Konzanai.
Prosecutor Mr Moses Gondowe told the court that on 8 October, Nyathi was struggling with pregnancy pains, but she was only due in two months time. Nyathi disappeared into a nearby bush where she successfully forced herself into labour.
After giving birth, she covered the baby with a plastic bag before digging a hole on an anthill where she buried the baby.
She also placed leaves on top of the shallow grave, before heading home. Her neighbours noticed that Nyathi was no longer pregnant and they alerted the police leading to her arrest. The police exhumed the remains of the baby after they were led to the scene by Nyathi. For her horrific act, Nyathi was ordered to perform 140 hours of community service at the Shurugwi courts.
