Staff Reporter

Harare police are investigating a heartbreaking case of baby dumping after a newborn baby boy was discovered abandoned under a bridge along the Mukuvisi River.

The baby was found yesterday wrapped in a black weekender bag at the intersection of Manchester Road and Craster Road in Southerton on April 1, 2025.

Authorities responded swiftly and transported the infant to Sally Mugabe Hospital for medical attention.

In a statement posted on X yesterday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the incident, stating, “Police in Harare are investigating a case of baby dumping in which a baby boy was found wrapped in a black weekender bag, dumped under the bridge along Mukuvisi River at the intersection of Manchester Road and Craster Road, Southerton, on 01/04/25. The baby was taken to Sally Mugabe Hospital for treatment. Anyone with information to report at any nearest police station."

The incident has sparked outrage and concern among Harare residents, with many calling for justice and better support systems for struggling mothers.

"This is heartbreaking. Why abandon an innocent child when there are places to seek help?" said Memory Chari, a local resident.

Another community member, Tawanda Moyo, expressed his frustration, saying, "We need to do more to educate people about safe options like baby shelters or social welfare services. This should never happen."

Some also highlighted the need for authorities to investigate the circumstances that led to the abandonment.

“We don't know what the mother was going through, but there must be a way to prevent this in the future," noted Tafadzwa Ncube, a social worker.

Meanwhile police are urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward.