Girl (6) dies after two‑day beating; uncle arrested in Zvishavane

A 28 year old man from Zvishavane has been arrested for allegedly beating his six year old niece to death with a sjambok after she failed to write her name correctly, in a case that has shocked the local community.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident, saying the child died after being subjected to repeated beatings over two consecutive days.

“A six-year-old girl died following repeated beatings by her uncle, who was teaching her how to write her name. The beatings were allegedly carried out using Mopane tree switches and later a rubber sjambok,” said Insp Mahoko.

The incident occurred on January 18 and 19 at Kosvoro Village under Chief Masunda in Zvishavane. The deceased has been identified as Praise Tsomeka, while the suspect is Takudzwa Wellington Chimuka, her uncle.

According to police, Chimuka returned home from work at around 5PM on January 18 and began teaching the child, who is his cousin’s daughter, to write her name. When she failed to do so correctly, he allegedly assaulted her repeatedly using Mopane switches.

“On January 19, the same process occurred again, and when the switches broke, Chimuka allegedly used a rubber sjambok,” said Insp Mahoko.

Two days later, the child reportedly began experiencing severe pain and weakness.
“Chimuka and his wife initially took the child to a prophet for prayers before later taking her to Zvishavane District Hospital, where she died upon admission,” said Insp Mahoko.

Following preliminary investigations, Chimuka was arrested and is expected to appear in court soon.
Insp Mahoko urged parents and guardians to exercise restraint when disciplining children.

“Not all perceived wrongs are corrected by chastisement. Children must always be treated in a humane manner,” he said.

In a separate and unrelated incident, police have arrested a 28 year old man from Gokwe South who had been on the run for alleged murder in Matabeleland South, after he was implicated in robbery and assault in Shurugwi.

Insp Mahoko identified the suspect as Samson Machona of Bhejani, Machohwa Village under Chief Njelele.

“Machona allegedly robbed and sexually assaulted a 27-year-old man after the two had been drinking beer together at a tuckshop in Shurugwi on January 14 at around 11PM,” he said.

Police investigations revealed that the complainant had been buying beer for both men. When the complainant decided to go home, Machona allegedly pretended to remain behind before following him.

“He waylaid the complainant, tripped him, searched him and stole a cellphone and US$20 in cash,” said Insp Mahoko.

Police say the suspect then assaulted the complainant further during the attack.
“After the attack, Machona allegedly picked up a stone and crushed the complainant’s right little finger, causing it to bleed,” said Insp Mahoko.

The cellphone, valued at US$50, was recovered following Machona’s arrest. The complainant sustained serious injuries and is currently admitted at Shurugwi District Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

Further investigations revealed that Machona had been on the police wanted list in connection with two murder cases committed in Filabusi, Insiza District, in November last year.

“Machona will be transferred to ZRP Filabusi for further investigations relating to the murder cases,” said Insp Mahoko.