A 24-year-old man from Shurugwi has been arrested for allegedly killing his three-month-old stepdaughter after forcing her to drink acid used in gold leaching. Tatenda Masunda, of Donga, Shurugwi, appeared before Shurugwi Magistrate Ms. Patricia Gwetsai on charges of murder. He was remanded in custody until November 15, 2024, for further proceedings.

The court heard that Masunda, who is employed at Nash 1 Mine in Shurugwi, was living with his wife, Muchaneta Zindera, and her infant daughter, Tatenda Junior Hwacha. The tragic incident unfolded on Saturday last week when Masunda returned home from work with a bottle of acid.

On that morning, Zindera left the house at around 5 a.m. to do laundry at a nearby community borehole, located approximately 2 kilometers from their homestead. Before she left, Masunda allegedly asked his wife to leave the infant in his care. While alone with the baby, Masunda is said to have taken the acid and fed it to the infant.

The baby began crying, prompting Masunda to take her to her mother, who quickly rushed her to the hospital. Tragically, the infant was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Following the incident, Masunda reportedly packed his belongings and fled the home, going into hiding. He was later apprehended in Chegutu, where he was arrested and brought into custody.

The case has shocked the local community, and Masunda now faces serious charges as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances of the child's death.