A two-week-old baby boy has tragically died in Kalopa, Lundazi, Zambia,after his mother, Florence Banda, 26, reportedly slept on him. This heartbreaking incident has raised concerns about maternal mental health as investigations continue.

Eastern Province police commanding officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed that Banda had been behaving strangely since giving birth and was refusing to breastfeed the baby. On Saturday, the baby started bleeding from the nostrils after the alleged incident, leading to his death.

Members of the public accused Banda of intentionally causing the death of her child and attempted to attack her. Police intervened, rescuing and detaining her on charges of infanticide.

The baby’s body has been taken to Lundazi District Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem to establish the exact cause of death. An inquiry file has been opened as investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Gynaecologist Abraham Mwape has suggested that the mother may be suffering from post-partum depression or post-partum psychosis, conditions known to affect new mothers and alter their behavior.

This incident underscores the importance of mental health support for postpartum women to prevent such tragedies.