News / National
Baby, six months, scalded with boiling water
07 Aug 2013 at 05:14hrs | Views
A six-month-old baby died when she was allegedly scalded with boiling water by a neighbour who was accusing its mother of failing to pay back a $1 debt.
Insp Mahoko said the incident occurred on Sunday at Gutsaruzhinji Village, under Chief Nhema in Shurugwi.
He said police have since arrested the woman suspect, Tracy Ngoni (33) in connection with the suspected murder case.
"On the fateful day, the suspect, Tracy Ngoni, visited Ms Dorothy Ruvengo at her homestead and demanded her $1 which Ms Ruvengo allegedly owed her," said Insp Mahoko.
He said Ms Ruvengo then told Ngoni that she had no money but the suspect kept insisting that the complainant pay her back her money.
"Ms Ruvengo then reminded Ngoni that she also owed her $1 and then suggested that the debts should cancel each other," he said.
Insp Mahoko said the suggestion did not go down well with Ngoni who became violent and went on to beat Ms Ruvengo with fists.
He said Ngoni later took a 10-litre gallon of boiling water, which was on the fireplace and scalded Ms Ruvengo's six month old baby that was sleeping on the floor.
"The baby sustained severe burns but was not taken to hospital owing to its mother's beliefs. The baby then died the following day," said Insp Mahoko.
He said Ms Ruvengo and her family members who are all members of the Johane Masowe Yechishanu Apostolic sect buried the baby on Monday.
Insp Mahoko said some members of the public later alerted the police who then exhumed the body.
"Police also arrested the suspect, Ngoni and investigations are still under way," he said.
Insp Mahoko said the incident occurred on Sunday at Gutsaruzhinji Village, under Chief Nhema in Shurugwi.
He said police have since arrested the woman suspect, Tracy Ngoni (33) in connection with the suspected murder case.
"On the fateful day, the suspect, Tracy Ngoni, visited Ms Dorothy Ruvengo at her homestead and demanded her $1 which Ms Ruvengo allegedly owed her," said Insp Mahoko.
He said Ms Ruvengo then told Ngoni that she had no money but the suspect kept insisting that the complainant pay her back her money.
"Ms Ruvengo then reminded Ngoni that she also owed her $1 and then suggested that the debts should cancel each other," he said.
He said Ngoni later took a 10-litre gallon of boiling water, which was on the fireplace and scalded Ms Ruvengo's six month old baby that was sleeping on the floor.
"The baby sustained severe burns but was not taken to hospital owing to its mother's beliefs. The baby then died the following day," said Insp Mahoko.
He said Ms Ruvengo and her family members who are all members of the Johane Masowe Yechishanu Apostolic sect buried the baby on Monday.
Insp Mahoko said some members of the public later alerted the police who then exhumed the body.
"Police also arrested the suspect, Ngoni and investigations are still under way," he said.
Source - chronicle
