By Hastings Yobe
In a deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves throughout Mzuzu City, particularly in the Chibavi area, a woman aged 21 is alleged to have abandoned her own infant in a pit latrine, highlighting a harrowing violation of human rights.
Police in the city of Mzuzu are keeping in custody a 21 year old woman, Ellena Banda from traditional authority Kachinda Moto in Ntchewu District for abandoning her 2 week old infant child in a pit latrine.
Sub Inspector Joseph Nyirenda of Mzuzu Police Station provided chilling details of the incident, revealing that Chibavi community members, spurred by the cries of the helpless child, alerted the police.
“The police responded swiftly to the call and we managed to rescue the baby from the pit latrine. The child was promptly rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent care,” said Nyirenda.
Nyirenda further commended the swift action of the concerned community members, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance in upholding the rights of the vulnerable.
Defence lawyer for the defendant Brian Joseph has argued that his client’s actions were influenced by a combination of mental health issues and adverse life circumstances, impacting her ability to make rational decisions at the time of the incident.
“Due to the condition of my client and according to the Mental Health Treatment Act of 1948, my we demand that my client should not supposed to be discriminated against and should be treated with all due respect until the court makes its decision,” said Joseph.
On the other hand, a legal expert defending children rights, Mary Bamusi stressed the constitutional obligation to protect the rights of every child, emphasizing that a child has a fundamental right to life, survival, and development.
She further argued that the state should ensure the child's access to necessary healthcare, support, and protection, and that any act causing harm or neglect to a child is a direct violation of these constitutional provisions.
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