A BULAWAYO woman allegedly gave birth to a baby boy secretly, then shoved him in a suitcase before ordering her 12-year-old niece to throw away the body, a court has heard.
Bulawayo magistrate Tinashe Tashaya heard this when Belinda Fadzai Nyaude, 26, of Selbourne Park, appeared before him facing a charge of concealing the birth of a child.
The court is, however, yet to establish whether Nyaude gave birth to a stillborn baby or committed infanticide.
She was remanded out of custody for an indefinite period pending the outcome of post-mortem results.
Prosecuting, Nathaniel Mutsikwa said on October 29 this year shortly after 1PM, Nyaude, a mother of one, was alone in her rented home’s bedroom when she went into labour.
The court heard that she allegedly delivered a baby on her own without the knowledge of her landlord and maid who were also at home.
She then allegedly wrapped the new born baby in bed linen before she put it in a suitcase and hid the bag in the wardrobe. She cleaned up the room to conceal the birth.
“Later in the day, Nyaude’s maid noticed that her employer was no longer pregnant. When the maid inquired about the pregnancy, Nyaude failed to give her a satisfactory answer and she informed their landlord, Kudzanai Maphosa,” said Mutsikwa.
Maphosa became suspicious and reported the matter to the police. The court heard that when the police arrived to investigate, Nyaude feigned sickness claiming that she was suffering from a severe headache and monthly menses.
Police took her to the United Bulawayo Hospitals where it was confirmed that she had given birth. She was discharged and went home.
The court heard that the following morning, she woke her niece up and ordered her to go and throw away the bag containing the body. The girl observed that the bag contained the body and alerted their landlord. A report was made to the police, leading to Nyaude’s arrest.