MARTIN MAWAYA
Erinando Makena of Village Musvupi, under Chief Mataruse in Mberengwa, allegedly struck and killed a 5-months old baby girl using a switch in a paternity dispute with his wife.
Makena who was assaulting his wife, Faith Mpofu, allegedly struck the infant who was strapped on her mothers’ back and died on the spot.
Midlands police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident that took place on April 26, 2024 at around 8pm at Village Chirima near Bedford Business Centre, Mberengwa.
Inspector Mahoko said Mpofu and Makena had a long-standing dispute regarding the paternity of their child.
He told The Midweek Watch that tensions had escalated between the couple after Makena alleged that his wife had been impregnated by another man prior to their marriage.
Due to the conflict, Mpofu decided to leave her marital home and sought refuge at her parents’ residence while her husband was away.
However, on the fateful day, Mpofu failed to get transport to Zvishavane and she sought shelter at Mudzimu’s homestead near Bedford Business Centre.
Makena, who remains at large, managed to track down his wife to Mudzimu’s homestead and allegedly subjected his wife to severe assault.
Tragically, during the altercation, Makena allegedly struck the defenceless infant, resulting in her death.
Insp Mahoko added that the police are now hunting for the suspect in order to bring him to justice for the heinous crimes committed against his wife and the innocent child.
