A nurse has been arrested in connection with the disappearance of an eight-month-old infant’s c0rpse from the mortuary at Chitungwiza Central Hospital. The incident has sparked public outcry and prompted a police investigation into potential violations surrounding the handling of human remains.
The arrested individual, 32-year-old Munashe Ganyiwa, was a member of the nursing staff at the hospital and had been caring for the infant, Emmanuel Charindapanze, who was admitted to the pediatric ward on Saturday. According to reports, Emmanuel experienced sudden medical complications in the early hours of Sunday. His mother, 46-year-old Shamiso Nyause, raised the alarm, prompting Nurse Ganyiwa to respond and subsequently declare the child deceased.
Hospital protocol was reportedly followed as Ganyiwa removed the infant’s clothing and returned them to the mother. Another staff member was tasked with transporting the b0dy to the hospital mortuary.
However, when the parents returned on Monday to retrieve the b0dy for burial, mortuary staff were unable to locate Emmanuel’s remains. Despite searching all pediatric remains in the facility, the infant’s c0rpse was missing. When contacted, Nurse Ganyiwa reportedly speculated that the b0dy may have been mistakenly cremated, a claim that further intensified the distress of the grieving family.
Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the arrest, stating, “We have detained a healthcare worker in Chitungwiza regarding potential violations concerning human remains. The investigation began after the parents were unable to locate their child’s b0dy despite following proper procedures with hospital administration.”
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the disappearance as both the medical community and the bereaved family seek answers in this deeply troubling case.
