A 25-year-old woman, Spiwe Kaiyatsa, is in police custody at Kawale Police Station in Lilongwe for allegedly attempting to kill her seven-month-old baby by poisoning her with chemicals in Area 38.
According to Kawale Police, the incident occurred on the night of March 25, 2026, around 20:30 hours. The suspect, who resides at the Area 38 dumping site (locally known as “mtaya”), is reported to have left the child in the care of a housemaid and the baby’s grandmother before returning later that night.
Police reports indicate that upon her return, Kaiyatsa took the child from where she was sleeping with her grandmother into her room. Moments later, the infant began coughing persistently, drawing the attention of both the grandmother and the housemaid.
The two rushed the child to the bathroom, where she started vomiting. They also reportedly noticed a strong chemical smell coming from the baby, prompting them to search the suspect. During the search, they allegedly discovered a bottle containing suspected poisonous substances.
Suspecting that the child had been poisoned, they immediately rushed her to Bwaila Hospital, where she was referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital. Medical personnel have indicated that the child has a chance of survival.
The matter was reported to police by the housemaid, leading to the suspect’s arrest on March 26, 2026.
Kawale Police spokesperson Sub-Inspector Mabvuto Precious Phiri confirmed the arrest and said the suspect will appear in court soon to answer a charge of attempted murder.
Kaiyatsa hails from Chilobwe Village, Traditional Authority Nsomba, in Blantyre.
Investigations are ongoing.