Shurugwi tragedy: Stepfather’s acid attack Kills 3-month-old girl
SHURUGWI – A 24-year-old Shurugwi resident from 188 Donga has been remanded in prison for allegedly administering acid to his three-month-old stepdaughter, leading to her tragic death on November 3, 2024.
Tatenda Masunda appeared before Magistrate Patricia Gwetsai on murder charges.
The State, represented by Tafadzwa Guzete alleges that on November 3 around 5 am, Zidendera, the mother of the deceased left her minor in the custody of her husband to do laundry at a community borehole approximately 2 kilometers from their homestead.
After Zidendera left for the community borehole, Masunda purportedly retrieved the acid and fed it to the minor, prompting the infant’s agonized cries.
The court heard that the accused person rushed the distressed infant to her mother who was doing laundry at the nearby borehole.
Masunda then made his way back home, quickly collected his possessions and fled to Chegutu.
Recognizing her daughter’s critical condition, the now deceased’s mother rushed her to Zvamabande Hospital and due to the severity of her injuries, the infant was immediately transferred to Shurugwi District Hospital.
Tragically, the infant’s life could not be saved and she died upon arrival at Shurugwi District Hospital.
The case has been adjourned until November 21, 2024 to allow for further investigations.
