Sundaymail Editor
Leroy Dzenga
Police have discovered that the minor who died while giving birth at a shrine in Marange was mistakenly identified as Memory Machaya.
The deceased’s real name was Anna Machaya.
In a statement on Thursday on the progress made from investigations, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the confusion came from the parents’ attempt to mask the crime by presenting their late daughter as an older cousin.
“The police has indeed conducted comprehensive investigations culminating in the arrest of Hatirarami Hombarume (26), alias Evans Hombarume.
“The minor who died in this case is Anna Machaya, born on July 5, 2006, and not Memory Machaya born on January 2, 1999,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi said they have established that the child was buried at the shrine.
Parents of the late minor have since been arrested.
“The police are also pressing criminal charges against Anna Machaya’s father, Edmore Machaya (45), and mother, Shy Mabika (36), for obstructing or defeating the course of justice.
“The parents openly lied to the police that Anna Machaya was born on January 2, 1999.
“The mother went on to give police investigators a national identity card in a bid to prove that she was born on January 2, 1999. This was false,” he said.
Police are continuing with investigations and have warned against those who may try to hide evidence.
Online Reporter