Police in Lumbadzi have arrested 34-year-old woman Ruthness Bikoko in connection with an infanticide case.
Lumbadzi Police Station spokesperson Felix Kwinyani said on 24 August, 2024 they were called to Chomveka Village, under Traditional Authority Chitukula in Lilongwe after people noticed a pungent smell.
Upon investigation, conducted with health practitioners, the law enforcers discovered the body of a baby in a pit, which was confirmed dead at the scene.
Kwinyani adds that Bikoko was immediately arrested as a prime suspect since she had been renting a nearby house and was suspected of being pregnant.
She confessed to giving birth on August 19, 2024, at around 12:00 pm and disposing of the baby in the pit latrine because it did not cry.
Bikoko hails from Njondo Village, Traditional Authority Kaphuka in Dedza District.
