The Zambia Police Service has opened investigations into the death of a newborn baby boy who was allegedly abandoned at Chilenje Level One Hospital. The baby was allegedly left at the hospital after his mother and an elderly woman accompanying her fled the facility. Police Public…

The Zambia Police Service has opened investigations into the death of a newborn baby boy who was allegedly abandoned at Chilenje Level One Hospital.

The baby was allegedly left at the hospital after his mother and an elderly woman accompanying her fled the facility.

Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi says the matter was reported at Chilenje Police Station on October 6, 2026, at around 16:20 hours by health personnel from the hospital.

Mr. Chilabi says preliminary investigations indicate that the young woman, believed to be aged between 18 and 20, arrived at the hospital at around 10:00 hours with the newborn.

He says she was accompanied by an elderly woman who identified herself as the young woman’s mother.

Mr. Chilabi told ZNBC News that the baby had reportedly been born at home and was experiencing breathing difficulties when he was taken to the hospital for medical attention.

The baby was admitted to the maternity ward, where medical staff attended to him and performed resuscitation.

Mr. Chilabi says the young woman initially identified herself to a midwife as Margaret during the admission process but later gave a doctor the name Florence Phiri.

He says the two women subsequently left the hospital, leaving the baby behind.

Health personnel reportedly made efforts to locate the women but were unsuccessful.

Mr. Chilabi says the baby later died while receiving treatment at the hospital.

He says police officers who visited the hospital found the deceased baby at the facility.

Mr. Chilabi says the body has since been taken to the mortuary and is awaiting a post-mortem examination.

He adds that police have opened an inquiry file into the matter.

Mr. Chilabi says police are investigating the alleged negligent acts and omissions of the two women, while also working to establish their identities and whereabouts.

He has appealed to anyone with information that could assist in identifying and locating the two women to report to the nearest police station.