Toddler burns to death during a domestic dispute

A two-year-old toddler died during a domestic dispute pitting the mother and her husband's second wife in Chinamhora. The toddler's mother is now battling for her life at Parirenyatwa hospital after sustaining serious burns.

Enia Sigauke (20) who is the second wife had a misunderstanding with her husband's first wife Alice Chikwanda (23).

During the altercation, Sigauke allegedly kicked a paraffin stove, which Chikwanda was using, resulting in paraffin being splashed on the toddler, who immediately caught fire and died.

Sigauke on Wednesday appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe charged with two counts of murder and attempted murder.

She was remanded in custody to January 29.

Mr Mahwe advised her to apply for bail at the High Court due to the gravity of the offences.

Prosecutor Miss Junior Mugebe alleges that on January 12, Sigauke who stays in Harare went to her husband's first wife Chikwanda's house in Chinamhora.

The visit followed a misunderstanding during a phone conversation.

Upon arrival Sigauke found Chikwanda cooking using a paraffin stove while in the company of her daughter Nokutenda Mucharonza.

The two had a heated argument and Sigauke allegedly kicked the paraffin stove resulting in paraffin being splashed on the toddler.

The stove burst and the whole house was engulfed in fire and the toddler immediately caught fire.