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Midlands Bureau Chief
POLICE in Lower Gweru have arrested a 38-year-old woman for allegedly fatally assaulting her eight-year-old daughter with a sjambok after she went to play with her friends at a neighbour’s homestead.

The incident happened in Matshaya Village under Chief Sogwala in Lower Gweru on Wednesday afternoon.

Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident.

He said Maria Ruhwizhi fatally assaulted her daughter Nozithelo Nsingo accusing her of leaving their homestead to play with other minors at another homestead.

“Police are investigating a murder case in which an eight-year-old girl died after being assaulted by her mother. The now deceased girl, Nozithelo Nsingo, was assaulted by her mother Maria Ruhwizhi who assaulted her all over the body with a sjambok leading to her death,” said Insp Mahoko.

He said Ruhwizhi is assisting police with investigations.

Meanwhile, a Grade Four pupil at Peakmine Primary School in Shurugwi was electrocuted on Monday evening when he opened a cage to feed some chicks kept by his parents.

Insp Mahoko confirmed the death of Kupakwashe Chakanyuka.

“It was around 9PM and the minor intended to feed the chicks when he was electrocuted as he tried to open the cage. Electricity was connected to the cage to provide light,” he said.

Insp Mahoko said the deceased’s sibling who tried to help him suffered electrical shock but managed to run away and reported the incident to their parents.