Staff Reporter

Tatenda Masunda, a 24-year-old man from Shurugwi, appeared before the Shurugwi Magistrates Court on charges of murdering his 3-month-old stepdaughter.

The State alleges that Masunda intentionally poisoned the infant in a disturbing sequence of events on November 3, 2024.

According to court details, the tragedy unfolded early that morning when the infant’s mother planned to take her baby with her to a nearby borehole to do laundry. Masunda reportedly stopped her from bringing the child, assuring her he would look after the infant while she was away. Once the mother left, Masunda allegedly retrieved a poisonous chemical commonly used in gold processing, which he had concealed in the yard, and administered it to the baby.

After the alleged poisoning, Masunda reportedly brought the infant, who was in visible distress and crying, back to her mother. Realizing her daughter was unwell, the mother immediately rushed the baby to Zvamabande Hospital. However, due to the severity of the child’s condition, she was referred to Shurugwi District Hospital, where doctors pronounced the infant dead upon arrival.

Following the incident, Masunda fled to Chegutu. Authorities tracked him down, and he was apprehended on November 5, 2024. Masunda has since been remanded in custody, with his next court appearance set for November 21, pending further investigation into the case.