Gweru(New Ziana)-A forty-seven year old man from Mkoba
high density suburb in Gweru, Midlands province has been arrested after
he allegedly strangled his one-year-old stepdaughter.

Police in Gweru said they are charging Itai Ticharwa of Mkoba 4 with
murder.

Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said allegations
are thatb Ticharwa was left caring for the baby as his wife went to a
nearby borehole to fetch water on Saturday around 9 AM.

Mkoba and other parts of Gweru city have perennial water challenges
owing to failure by council to address the issue.

“Upon her return, Ticharwa’s wife found him holding the baby instructing
her to breastfeed the baby. As soon as she got hold of the baby
Ticharwa’s wife realized that the baby was groaning in pain,” he said.

Insp Mahoko said the woman screamed for help, making it known to
neighbours that her baby had been strangled.

Police officers who were on patrol in the neighbourhood were called to
the scene.

“Ticharwa was subsequently arrested and detained while the body of the
one year old babyn was taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital mortuary for
postmortem.

New Ziana