Zombo woman survives lynching after dumping newborn in latrine
Eyewitnesses at the scene described the harrowing sight of the baby, still attached to the placenta and umbilical cord, lying deep inside the latrine.
Zombo: A woman in Zombo District narrowly escaped lynching after allegedly disposing of her newborn baby in a pit latrine shortly after giving birth.
The disturbing incident occurred on Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Zingili Cell, Zingili Ward, Paidha Town Council.
The woman, identified only as Brenda, was living separately from her husband, according to local leaders.
Neighbors became suspicious after noticing she no longer appeared pregnant. Upon confrontation, she confessed to dumping the newborn, prompting the enraged community to dismantle the latrine in an attempt to recover the baby’s body.
Michael Kerango, the Vice Chairperson LCI of Zingili Cell, confirmed the incident, stating that police intervened to rescue Brenda from a violent mob that attempted to lynch her.
Charles Ovona, the General Secretary LCI of Zingili Cell, noted that neighbors also discovered bloodstains in the woman’s compound, further raising suspicion.
Meanwhile, Innocent Otingcwinyu, the LCI Chairperson of Zingili Cell, condemned the act and urged parents to take full responsibility for their families:
“She showed no signs of mental illness and has not provided any explanation for her actions. Parents need to be responsible. It’s possible she lacked support from her husband, who is not even known.”
Eyewitnesses at the scene described the harrowing sight of the baby, still attached to the placenta and umbilical cord, lying deep inside the latrine.
Detectives from Paidha Central Police Station visited the scene, retrieved the baby’s body, and conveyed it to Paidha Health Center III Mortuary for postmortem examination.
A case of abortion has been registered against the suspect at Paidha Central Police Station under SD: RE: 11/16/03/25. She remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Recent similar cases
This tragic incident has reignited concerns about the increasing cases of child neglect and infanticide in the region.
In November 2024, a woman in Mundel Parish, Nyapea Sub-County, sparked outrage after dumping her newborn in a latrine. The baby died shortly after.
In recent weeks, another similar case was reported in Mawa Cell, Omua Ward, Paidha Town Council.
Local stakeholders attribute these distressing incidents to several factors, including; family disputes, lack of parental responsibility, entrenched cultural beliefs and gender-based violence (GBV).
Community members and local leaders are now calling for swift legal action against perpetrators, greater awareness on maternal support and child welfare and stronger intervention measures to prevent such tragedies
Authorities have urged families and communities to be vigilant and report cases of distress among pregnant women to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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