Newborn saved from pit latrine after 24 hours

A newborn baby girl survived in a pit latrine – where she was dumped by her mother on Sunday – for 24 hours at Oshilulu village in the Omusati Region’s Okahao constituency.

The woman, aged 30, now faces charges of attempted murder, concealment of birth and defeating or obstructing the course of justice after she gave birth by herself and dropped the newborn into a pit latrine.

Omusati police crime investigations coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Moses Simaho, said it is alleged the suspect gave birth to the baby while at home and thereafter dumped the baby in the toilet.

It is further alleged that the suspect proceeded to the Okahao District Hospital where she told nurses that she had a miscarriage.

It was later discovered that she had given birth prior to making the trip to the hospital, he said.

Investigations were conducted and "the baby was retrieved, safely and still alive", by police officials, Simaho added.

The newborn was taken to Okahao hospital with no injuries, and she is currently in the care of the nurses at the hospital who will continue to monitor her condition.

Simaho said the mother of the baby has been admitted to the same hospital and is receiving medical care under police guard.

“She is our miracle baby. Glory be to God that the baby was still alive,” he said.