ROSELINE MUTARE
Police in Bikita have arrested three people in connection with the tragic death of a four-year-old girl who was allegedly poisoned as a retaliation in a dispute over goats.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have identified the suspects as Violet Gamera (60), Chamunorwa Kwanga (60), and Regina Tavengerarwei (30).
In a statement, ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests, linking the suspects to the poisoning of the child, Sabina Maziva, who lived in Mandinyenya Village.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Violet Gamera (60), Chamunorwa Kwanga (60), and Regina Tavengerarwei (30) in connection with the murder of four-year-old Sabina Maziva in Mandinyenya Village, Bikita,” stated Commissioner Nyathi.
He explained that investigations revealed that Gamera allegedly gave the child poisoned rice on October 1, 2025, as an act of revenge against her parents, whose goats had damaged the suspect’s crops.
“Initial investigations suggest that on October 1, 2025, Violet Gamera gave the victim poisoned rice to avenge her parents, whose goats had previously destroyed her crops,” Nyathi noted.
The child began to vomit shortly after consuming the food and was taken to a local clinic for treatment. Unfortunately, despite receiving medical attention, her condition deteriorated, and she passed away on October 5, 2025.
Nyathi mentioned that the child was buried on October 8, but suspicions of foul play arose during the funeral, which led the community to refer the matter to Chief Ziki.
“During the burial, concerns about possible poisoning surfaced, prompting the community to bring the issue to Chief Ziki on October 10, 2025. The Chief then instructed the victim’s mother to report the matter to the police,” he said.
Following police investigations, Gamera allegedly implicated her co-accused.
“Violet Gamera claimed that Chamunorwa Kwanga advised her to poison the child and further stated that Regina Tavengerarwei supplied the poison,” added Nyathi.
He also mentioned that authorities had recovered rat poison and a liquid substance suspected to be a cotton pesticide, believed to have been used in the crime.
“The victim’s body has been exhumed and taken to Silveira Mission Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination,” Nyathi concluded.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police strongly condemns criminal acts and acts of cruelty in society, especially those that endanger the lives of innocent children. We urge the public to resolve disputes through lawful and peaceful means,” stated Commissioner Nyathi.
