A 23-year-old woman, Idah Chimwanga, is currently in police custody in Chikwawa.

The district’s police Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Dickson Matemba, disclosed that the incident took place yesterday at Sadulo village.

Over the past nine months, community members had observed the woman’s pregnancy.

Suspicions arose when her belly appeared flat, prompting concerns among villagers.

The community alerted their group village headman about the suspicious circumstances.

Villagers mobilized themselves and conducted a search in the suspect’s house.

The search revealed a lifeless newly born child hidden in a pail covered with clothes.

Chimwanga will appear before court soon.