Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
A TRADITIONAL tongue-incision procedure meant to help a toddler with a speech problem ended in tragedy after the child allegedly bled to death, landing the woman who performed it an effective eight years behind bars.
Chipiwa Majasi (43), of Village 3, Kugutakurima under Chief Mposi in Mberengwa, was sentenced to 10 years in prison by the High Court of Zimbabwe sitting at Gweru for culpable homicide.
Two years were suspended on condition of good behaviour, leaving Majasi with an effective eight-year custodial sentence.
The case centred on the death of one-year-six-month-old Ruvarashe Mafikeni at Runyararo Complex, Vanguard, Mberengwa, on March 5 this year.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the tragedy unfolded after the child’s mother invited Majasi to the family home at around 7AM to perform a traditional incision intended to address the toddler’s “speech problem.”
Majasi allegedly used a razor blade to cut the lower membrane of the child’s tongue before leaving the home.
The child subsequently fell asleep.
At around 2PM, she was discovered without signs of life and rushed to Mberengwa District
Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The matter was reported to the police, leading to Majasi’s arrest.
A post-mortem examination later established that the toddler had died from haemorrhagic shock, sublingual artery laceration and tongue injury.
The NPAZ said the case highlighted the dangers vulnerable people, particularly children, can face from unsafe practices.
“The NPAZ reiterates the importance of protecting vulnerable persons, particularly children, from unsafe practices that may result in serious injury or loss of life,” the authority said.
“Where conduct results in death, the circumstances will be subjected to criminal investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law,” said the NPAZ.
