Johnson Progress

In a remarkable display of bravery and quick thinking, a 14-year-old Grade 7 student from Macheke has been hailed as a heroine for assisting her 18-year-old neighbor in delivering a baby.

The incident occurred at Mhiripiri Shopping Centre in Macheke, under Chief Makoni, where several older women, including the student’s own mother, fled in panic as the neighbor, Ruth, went into sudden labor.

According to Chiedza Mushunje, the young heroine, “I was sweeping the house when I heard a noise outside. I went to look and saw our neighbour Ruth lying down, about to give birth, with blood flowing. I acted immediately after hearing her cry for help.”

Despite being surrounded by older women, Chiedza remained calm and took control of the situation.

“There were several elderly women, including my mother, but they all ran away. I stayed behind to safely assist with the delivery. My mother and other local women were just grabbing blankets and throwing things to me, but I carried on,” she explained.

The young girl’s bravery and quick thinking have inspired the community, with several witnesses praising her courage.

Villager Kuziva Hamera said, “She is truly our hero. She did what even the elderly could not.”

Another villager, Emmanuel Manyere, added, “All the adults ran away, but she sacrificed herself to help. We are proud of her heroic act. May the Lord bless her.”

Granny Esther Chinguruve, who later cut the umbilical cord, praised Chiedza’s actions, saying, “At such a young age, she showed remarkable bravery. If she had been afraid, nothing would have been achieved.”

Chiedza’s mother, Teclar Mushumbi, admitted that she had panicked, saying, “Some neighbours and I tried to find a car, but while we were doing that, blood started coming out, and we panicked and ran away. Chiedza came out and quickly caught the baby. We were all in shock.”

The mother and child were later taken to Marondera Provincial Hospital, where they are recovering.

Chiedza’s bravery has been attributed to her lessons from family health education and community programs, as well as encouragement from First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s teachings about bravery and responsibility.