A student identified as N Guèye has been arrested on suspicion of infanticide in Thiès, a city located 70km east of Dakar. The arrest follows reports by L’Observateur newspaper concerning twin babies found abandoned. N Guèye stated her belief that the newborns were deceased, telling authorities, "The newborns hadn’t shown any signs of life. That’s why I put them in the bag, hidden under the earthenware pot." The incident is currently under investigation by local authorities in Thiès, a city situated approximately 70 kilometers east of Senegal's capital, Dakar. N Guèye is specifically suspected of infanticide in connection with the discovery of the two infants.
Discovery of the Newborns
The chain of events leading to N Guèye's arrest began when she presented herself at the Dr Mamadou Bathily Health Centre. There, she informed staff that she had given birth and subsequently abandoned her newborn at her home in the Médina Fall neighborhood. Dr AD, who serves as the deputy chief medical officer of Thiès, initiated the necessary vigilance protocols upon receiving this information. Dr AD then promptly alerted officers at the central police station, setting the official investigation in motion.
During her initial statements, N Guèye claimed to have given birth to only one infant. However, further investigation by law enforcement revealed a different scenario. Police, accompanied by a midwife, proceeded to the specified location in Médina Fall. There, they made the tragic discovery of two children, a boy and a girl, confirming that N Guèye had given birth to twins. The newborns were found at the location N Guèye had indicated.
During her police interview, N Guèye provided details about where she had concealed the infants, stating she hid her baby in a plastic bag under an unused earthenware pot. Initial findings from the scene indicated that the newborns had been dead for several hours prior to their discovery. Reiterating her earlier statement, N Guèye told authorities, "The newborns hadn’t shown any signs of life. That’s why I put them in the bag, hidden under the earthenware pot."
Suspect's Account and Background
N Guèye, identified as a 24-year-old student enrolled at the Virtual University of Senegal (UVS), was subsequently sent to the central prison following her arrest. During her interrogation, she offered further details about her pregnancy. She informed authorities that she had become pregnant by a man she identified only as “Diarbel.” According to N Guèye's account, “Diarbel” resided in the area of Keur Said. She also stated that she had subsequently lost contact with him, providing no further information on his current whereabouts or involvement.
During her interrogation, N Guèye consistently recounted the moments immediately after the birth, maintaining her assertion about the state of the newborns. She repeatedly stated, "The newborns hadn’t shown any signs of life. That’s why I put them in the bag, hidden under the earthenware pot." The investigation is ongoing to verify all statements made by N Guèye and to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including the precise cause of death for the twin infants.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Following her arrest and initial questioning, N Guèye was presented before the prosecutor at the Thiès High Court, marking the formal commencement of legal proceedings against her. Authorities are continuing their thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. The ongoing inquiry aims to verify all statements made by N Guèye and to establish the full sequence of events that led to the discovery of the abandoned newborns. This includes gathering further evidence and potentially interviewing other individuals who may have relevant information. Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses and the legal process unfolds. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the complete picture of this tragic event.
Location Context
Thiès, the city where this distressing incident occurred, is a significant urban center located approximately 70 kilometers east of Dakar, the capital of Senegal. The Dr Mamadou Bathily Health Centre, where N Guèye initially sought assistance, is situated within Thiès. The Médina Fall neighborhood, where the twin babies were discovered, is also an integral part of the city. N Guèye, a student at the Virtual University of Senegal (UVS), resides in this area, placing the entire incident within the geographical confines of Thiès.