SHARON NYAYA
MBERENGWA-Felistus Mpofu, (19) of Shumba Village under Chief Mposi in Mberengwa District was arrested on 03 March, 2023 for allegedly killing her 7 months old daughter.
“Police confirms investigating a case of murder in which a 19 year old Mberengwa woman allegedly killed her 7 months old daughter,” said Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko.
Circumstances of the incident are that, on 01 March 2023 at around 1400hours, Mpofu left home in the company of her daughter intending to go to Zvishavane to seek for employment as a housemaid. She arrived in Zvishavane at around 8pm and she was stranded while at Mandava Bus terminus.
She allegedly fed her baby with fresh milk mixed with an organophosphate tablet. At around 3am Mpofu sought accommodation at a house in Mandava and the baby started to vomit while her condition suddenly started to deteriorate.
The woman from whom Mpofu had sought accommodation from, accompanied her to Zvishavane District Hospital where the baby was pronounced dead on arrival. A report was made at ZRP Zvishavane and investigations began. When Mpofu was searched and a baby feeding bottle containing a smelly residue was found. She was arrested and detained at ZRP Zvishavane. The body of the toddler was put in a mortuary while awaiting post mortem.
“Investigations are continuing. Once again we urge people to value the sacredness of life whether young or old for no one deserves to be killed. It is an offense to take someone’s life,” remarked Inspector Mahoko.
