Police Launch Investigation After Woman Gave Birth To Baby Boy But Wakes Up To Baby Girl Instead

In a disturbing occurrence at Chipinge District Hospital in Zimbabwe, a new mother, Cynthia Masocha, gave birth to a baby boy only to discover the next morning that her child had been switched with a newborn girl.

The tragedy, which has astonished the Chipinge neighborhood, is currently being investigated by both police and hospital authorities.

According to the Manica Post, Masocha had her baby boy on September 21, 2024, with the help of midwife Blessing Mutimbu. After the birth, Mutimbu hoisted the child to ascertain its gender, which Masocha confirmed as male. Masocha went to sleep after giving birth and breastfeeding her son. However, when she checked the nappies the next morning, she was surprised to learn that the baby was female.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I checked the nappies. I was sure I had a son, and the hospital records confirmed it,” Masocha reportedly told authorities, expressing disbelief at the unexpected swap.

Masocha was one of three ladies who had given birth in the hospital that day, but she was the only one to have a male child. The hospital’s birth records confirm that she definitely gave birth to a baby boy, adding to the mystery surrounding the exchange.

In response, hospital officials and police are performing DNA tests to discover the baby’s true identity and how the mix-up happened. Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, the acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, acknowledged the occurrence and stated that investigations were still ongoing.

“On the evening of September 21, Ms. Masocha gave birth to a baby boy. The newborn was lifted for confirmation of its sex, and the hospital records listed the child as a boy. However, on the following morning, Ms. Masocha discovered that the baby she had was a girl,” Chinyoka explained in a statement.

While no suspects have been named, authorities are investigating how the transfer occurred. DNA testing will be performed on all relevant parties to determine paternity and uncover the truth about the occurrence.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli