Toddler’s throat slit in ritual murder

Peter Matika, Senior Reporter

IN a chilling act of ruthlessness, a Masvingo man abducted a two-year-old toddler before killing him by slitting his throat with a knife before chopping his hands that he wrapped in a cloth and buried under a rock, in a suspected case of ritual killing.

Police national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident that happened on Thursday.

He said police have since arrested a 39-year-old man, Darlington Magomana from Mucheke in connection with the crime.
Asst Comm Nyathi said police had, in less than 48 hours, carried out investigations and arrested the man.

“Police have arrested a man in connection with the murder of a two-year-old boy, which occurred last week. The man identified as Darlington Magomana was arrested on 25 July, after he had committed the crime a day before,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

Reports suggest that Magomana abducted the toddler, after he had been sent by his mother to a neighbour’s homestead.
Magomana is said to have offered to accompany the toddler, as he was heading in the same direction.

“When the boy did not return by sunset, the mother grew worrisome and decided to alert other family members. The family also made a report to police, who also launched a search for Magomana, who was the last person to be seen with the toddler,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He said Magomana was then located at Sisk Business Centre.

“After he was apprehended and taken for questioning, Magomana admitted to murdering the boy.

He said he had murdered him for ritual purposes, where he slit his throat with a knife, before chopping off both his hands and wrapping them in some clothes and burying them under a rock near Mucheke river bank,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He said further investigations were still being carried out and Magomana would soon appear in court for murder.
Asst Comm Nyathi urged parents and guardians to always monitor their children and avoid leaving them unattended or with untrustworthy individuals.

“Police would like to warn those who are involved in ritual killings to desist from the evil habit, as the long arm of the law will always catch up with them,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.