A-21-year old student teacher for Machinga Teacher Training College is in Police custody in Machinga for allegedly hiding her newly born baby in a locker.

Machinga Police Public Relations Officer, Constable Andrew Mayawo confirmed of the arrest and identified the suspect as Gladys Gundani from Labana Village, Traditional Authority Mponda in Mangochi.

The suspect is reported to have put to birth at one of the school’s hostels, but decided to conceal the birth.

According to Mayawo, Gundani fell sick on Tuesday last week and was taken to Machinga District Hospital.

While at the hospital, Mayawo said Gundani sent her friend an SMS, advising her to remove a “thing” in her locker. But the friend discovered a dead body of a newly born baby in the locker.

The friend then reported the matter to the matron who also referred the issue to the college management.

“We then arrested Gundani, but she was released on bail because she needed further medical attention,” said Mayawo.

Gundani will soon appear before court on the charge of Concealing Birth which is contrary to Section 232 of the Penal Code.