Newborn baby rescued from pit latrine in Okalongo Constituency

By: Josia Shigwedha

A newborn baby girl was rescued from a pit latrine in Olwiili village in the Okalongo Constituency in Omusati Region Friday morning, leading to the arrest of her 23-year-old mother on charges of attempted murder.

According to the Namibian Police, the incident was discovered at around 07:00 after officers received information about a baby crying inside a pit latrine located in a crop field.

Police responded immediately and, with the assistance of community members, dug an opening into the toilet structure to access and rescue the infant.

Police alleged that the suspect gave birth to a live baby girl before throwing her into the pit latrine.

It is further alleged that the woman made a fire inside the toilet with the intention of killing the child and defeating the course of justice.

The baby sustained serious burn injuries during the incident.

The infant was handed over to nurses at the scene and transported to the Okalongo Health Centre for initial treatment, before being transferred to St. Martin’s Hospital in Oshikuku for further medical care.

Police confirmed that the mother has been arrested in connection with the incident and is expected to appear in the Outapi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 12 January 2026.