Harare, (New Ziana) – A 24-year-old man from Shurugwi, the Midlands province, has appeared in court accused of murdering his three-month-old step-daughter, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has reported.

The NPAZ said the Shurugwi magistrates court remanded Tatenda Masunda (24) in custody to November 21 while investigations in the matter continue.

It is the state case that on November 3 this year around 5 AM, Masunda stopped the mother from taking the infant with her to a nearby borehole where she intended to do some laundry. He then allegedly retrieved a poisonous substance, commonly used in gold purification, which he had hidden in the yard, and fed it to the infant.

Masunda later took the visibly distressed and crying baby to the mother, who rushed with it to Zvamahande Clinic from where she was referred to Shurugwi District Hospital, where it was pronounced dead upon arrival. Meanwhile Masunda had fled to Chegutu where he was arrested on November 5.

Separately, the NPAZ said a 20-year-old man from Chief Nyajena’s area in Masvingo was sentenced to an effective five years for attempted rape. He was convicted by the Chiredzi Magistrates’ Court for the attack on his 37-year-old victim on November 3 around midday. The man accosted the woman who was walking to Nyamande Business Centre.

He jumped onto her path, naked and demanded to have sexual relations with her. He grabbed her by the hands and forced her to the ground. The complainant resisted, pulled his manhood and escaped leaving the man writhing in pain. A report was made to the police leading to his arrest.

New Ziana