A 33-year-old man of Chadiza District in Eastern Province has been left in deep emotional distress after his 22-year-old wife allegedly gave birth in secret and buried the infant in a maize field.
According to information shared by Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba, the suspect has been identified as Mwanipata Banda, a Mozambican national and mother of four.
Police revealed that Mwanipata had three children from a previous marriage and one child from her current marriage to her husband, Thamson Phiri, aged 33.
The disturbing incident reportedly came to light on May 14, 2026, when Phiri noticed that his wife’s body shape had suddenly changed, raising suspicion that she may have already delivered the baby.
When Phiri questioned her, Mwanipata allegedly denied giving birth and insisted she was still pregnant.
However, her husband remained unconvinced and decided to report the matter to his mother, who also questioned the young woman.
Despite repeated questioning, Mwanipata continued to insist she was still an expectant mother, but her mother-in-law reportedly did not believe her due to the visible changes in her appearance.
The matter was later escalated to traditional leaders in the area, who summoned the woman for questioning. During the meeting, Mwanipata reportedly maintained her position that she was still pregnant.
This prompted the traditional leadership to conduct a body search, which led to shocking findings.
Police say the woman was discovered to be lactating and reportedly had a smell associated with lochia, which is commonly present after childbirth.
“It was after this discovery that the suspect confessed that she had given birth to a female infant and that at the time of giving birth she was alone at the garden and later took the infant to the maize field near her garden, went and buried the infant there,” Mr. Mweemba said.
Following the confession, Mwanipata allegedly pleaded for forgiveness, claiming she had made a mistake by not informing her husband about the birth of his baby girl.
After learning about the confession, village headman Vincent Mbewe, aged 40, of Mkuzi Village under Chief Mlolo in Chadiza District, reported the matter to police.
“Vincent Mbewe reported that Mwanipata Banda concealed the birth of her child by burying the child in the maize field, about a half meter deep in the ground, about two kilometers away from Mkuzi Village,” Mweemba stated.
Police have since launched investigations into the matter, which has sparked outrage and sadness among residents in Chadiza and across Zambia.
The incident has also raised serious concern over maternal mental health and the need for community support systems, especially for young mothers living under difficult circumstances.
The suspect is expected to face charges related to concealing the birth of a child, as investigations continue.
