Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo Midlands Bureau
HIGH Court judge, Justice Munamato Mutevedzi has sentenced a Zvishavane man to nine years in prison for beating his niece (6) to death for failing to read and write her name.
Appearing before Justice Mutevedzi sitting at the High Court circuit in Gweru yesterday was Takudzwa Wellington Chimutsa (28) from Zvishavane facing one count of murder.
Chimutsa pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to culpable homicide.
Justice Mutevedzi found him guilty of culpable homicide following full trial and handed him a nine-year prison stay.
Chimutsa who showed remorse will serve six years after the judge suspended two years from his sentence on condition of good behaviour.
Prosecutor, Mr Talent Tadenyika told the court that Chimutsa assaulted his niece resulting in her death.
The child had failed to write her name when he was assisting her to do homework.
“The accused Takudzwa Wellington Chimutsa was arrested in connection with the murder case that occurred at Koisvoro Village, Zvishavane, on January 18. The suspect allegedly assaulted his six year old niece after she failed to write her name,” he said.
The court heard that following the assault, the victim’s condition deteriorated, prompting Chimutsa to seek spiritual guidance from a local prophet who advised them to return home.
Chimutsa later took his niece to Zvishavane District Hospital, when her condition deteriorated, and she died upon admission.
The matter was reported to the police leading to Chimutsa’s arrest.
