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POLICE have arrested a Sanyati couple on allegations of killing a nine-month-old infant from the wife’s previous relationship.
The couple is said to have drowned the child in a bucket of water and buried the body in a shallow grave.
Pelagia Jakaza, 19, and her husband, Boniface Mberengwa, 23, are alleged to have connived to murder the baby from her previous relationship.
National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the couple committed the heinous act on November 9.
“On November 19, ZRP Sanyati acted on a tip-off and arrested Pelagia Jakaza and her husband, Boniface Mberengwa for a case of murder in which they allegedly conspired to kill Pelagia Jakaza’s nine-month-old child sired from a previous relationship by drowning the victim in a bucket of water,” Ass Comm Nyathi said.
“The two buried the remains in a shallow grave on an anthill at Mapfuti Village, Sanyati.
“Police recovered the bucket used in drowning the victim and exhumed the body.”
Meanwhile, police are investigating a case of unlawful termination of pregnancy in which a human foetus was found at the Stodart grounds dumpsite in Mbare.
Cases of child abuse are now rampant in Zimbabwe.
The murder and abortion come against the backdrop of sickening cases, including one in which a nine-year-old Tsholotsho girl recently gave birth, after being repeatedly raped.
Two 17-year-old boys from Bindura were also arrested for raping and impregnating an eight-year-old girl.
Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Children’s Day, which is observed annually on November 20.
The World Children’s Day campaign aims to increase international cooperation, and awareness among children, as well as to improve their well-being.
Civil society and child rights groups have urged the Government to roll out a national programme which advocates for children’s rights, security and protection.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter