Mabvuku woman appears in court for killing stepdaughter

Yeukai Karengezeka

Court Correspondent

A 20-year-old Mabvuku woman appeared in court yesterday facing charges of murdering her four-year-old stepdaughter, Tatenda Muchato.

Memory Moyana appeared before Harare Magistrate, Ms Rufaro Panavanhu.

Moyana was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.

She was remanded in custody to January 2.

Prosecutor Takudzwa Jambawu told the court that on December 16 at around 2pm, Moyana allegedly assaulted the young girl.

The assault was overheard by a neighbour, Lorrein Makore, who later became the informant in the case.

A short while later, Tatenda emerged from the house with visible bruises on her chest and mouth, which were noted by Makore.

At around 3pm, the child reportedly came out of the toilet with soiled clothes, asking for tissue paper.

Moyana reportedly assisted her and the two returned to their room. Moyana allegedly pushed the child against an object in the room, accusing her of soiling herself.

Moments later, the informant reportedly saw Moyana carrying the child, who appeared to be unconscious.

Moyana’s husband took the child to a prophet, and she was declared dead.

The family then transported the body to Nyazura.

A report was then made to the police.