Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - A 24-year-old man from Shurugwi, Zimbabwe, Tatenda Masunda, faces murder charges after allegedly administering acid to his three-month-old stepdaughter, leading to her tragic death.
Authorities report that Masunda used acid commonly employed
in gold extraction, which caused the infant’s death shortly after ingestion.
Masunda, a resident of Donga and an employee at Nash 1 Mine,
appeared before Magistrate Patricia Gwetsai, who ordered him to remain in
custody pending further investigation. He is scheduled to appear in court on
November 15, 2024, to face charges that have shocked the community.
According to reports, the incident took place last Friday.
Masunda allegedly returned home carrying a 200ml spirit bottle filled with
acid, which he concealed inside the house. Early in the morning, the child’s
mother, Muchaneta Zindera, left home to wash clothes at a community borehole
two kilometers away. Masunda reportedly asked her to leave the baby, Tatenda
Junior Hwacha, in his care. Once alone with the child, he allegedly
administered the acid, causing her to cry in pain.
Shortly after, Masunda took the baby back to her mother
before fleeing the area. Recognizing the baby’s deteriorating condition,
Zindera rushed her to Zvamabande Hospital, from which she was later transferred
to Shurugwi District Hospital. Tragically, the child passed away upon arrival.
Masunda was apprehended in Chegutu on Tuesday, November 12,
after evading capture by fleeing Shurugwi. He has since been charged with
murder, with prosecutor Tafadzwa Guzete outlining the case against him in
court.
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