Crimes and Courts Correspondent
Nancy Chitsiga, a 23-year-old woman from Chikurubi Maximum Prison in Harare, has been charged with infanticide after allegedly strangling her newborn baby boy.
Chitsiga claims it was an accident, stating she unintentionally pulled the umbilical cord during delivery, resulting in the baby’s death. However, the prosecution alleges that she deliberately strangled the baby, wrapped it in a plastic bag, and disposed of it in a dumping pit.
Unfortunately, infanticide cases are not uncommon in Zimbabwe. According to Assistant Police Commissioner Paul Nyathi, 13 cases of infanticide were recorded between January and March this year, with 75 cases reported in 2022 and 110 in 2021. Research suggests that mental health disorders, economic stress, and social pressures are significant factors contributing to infanticide.
Factors Contributing to Infanticide in Zimbabwe:
- Mental Health Disorders: Many women who commit infanticide suffer from depression, psychosis, or other mental health issues.
- Economic Stress: Poverty and financial insecurity can lead to desperation and hopelessness.
- Social Pressures: Fear of stigma, shame, or rejection from family and community can drive women to extreme measures.
Chitsiga’s case highlights the need for support systems and resources to address the underlying issues that lead to infanticide. The court is expected to deliver its verdict soon, and Chitsiga’s fate hangs in the balance.
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