A 28-year-old man from Zvishavane, in the Midlands Province, has been arrested following the death of his six-year-old niece.
It is alleged that he fatally assaulted the young girl because she was unable to write her name.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) identified the suspect as Takudzwa Wellington Chimutsa.
According to the police, the assault took place on Sunday. As the child’s health began to fail, Chimutsa reportedly sought help from a local prophet, who advised the family to return home.
The girl was eventually taken to Zvishavane District Hospital, but she tragically passed away shortly after being admitted.
In a separate and unrelated incident, a 13-year-old girl named Dorris was left with severe injuries after being burned by a relative.
Dorris, a student at Chegore Secondary School in the Marange area, was accused of stealing $20.
Despite her firm denials, she was subjected to cruel punishment. Reports state that she was physically restrained while hot “round nuts” (Bambara groundnuts) were poured inside her clothes to force a confession.
The incident occurred earlier this month. The girl suffered serious burns to her back and remains in significant pain.
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