Newborn Dies After Mother Allegedly Flees Hospital

The baby was allegedly left at the hospital after his mother and an elderly woman who accompanied her reportedly fled the facility.

Police Public Relations Officer GODFREY CHILABI says the matter was reported at Chilenje Police Station on October 6, 2026, around 16:20 hours by health personnel from the hospital.

Mr. CHILABI says preliminary investigations indicate that the young woman, believed to be aged between 18 and 20, arrived at the hospital around 10:00 hours with the newborn.

He says she was accompanied by an elderly woman who identified herself as the young woman’s mother.

Mr. CHILABI told ZNBC News that the baby was reportedly born at home and was taken to the hospital after developing breathing difficulties.

He says the baby was admitted to the maternity ward, where medical staff attended to him and performed resuscitation.

Mr. CHILABI says the young woman initially identified herself to a midwife as MARGARET but later gave a doctor the name FLORENCE PHIRI.

He says the two women subsequently left the hospital, leaving the baby behind.

Mr. CHILABI says health personnel made efforts to locate the women but were unsuccessful.

He says the baby later died while receiving treatment at the hospital.

Mr. CHILABI says police officers who visited the hospital found the deceased baby at the facility.

He says the body has since been taken to the mortuary and is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Mr. CHILABI says police have opened an inquiry file into the matter and are investigating the alleged negligent acts and omissions of the two women.

He says police are also working to establish their identities and whereabouts.

Mr. CHILABI has appealed to anyone with information that could help identify and locate the two women to report to the nearest police station.