Girl scalded to death by uncle in brutal act of violence

A six-year-old girl from Nyanyadzi tragically died after allegedly being scalded with boiling water by her uncle in a shocking act of violence driven by a long-standing grudge. The incident, which occurred on November 27, has left the community in disbelief and anger, raising serious questions about the reintegration of known violent offenders into society.

The victim, identified as Michelle Magwera, died the following day at Birchenough Bridge Hospital from the severe burns inflicted by the hot water. Phibeon Siduna, the 32-year-old uncle, had previously spent nearly two years in Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison for an earlier attempt to kill Michelle in 2022. His violent history includes a string of past offenses, including the fatal stone-throwing incident in 2017, in which he killed his father.

According to Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, the acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, the incident occurred while Michelle was at home with her uncle and her grandmother, Miriam Chihwite. Siduna allegedly came out of the kitchen holding a bucket of hot water, and as Michelle entered, the two collided, causing the water to splash onto Michelle's body. She was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries the next day.

However, this account has been vehemently contested by grieving family members who accuse Chihwite, the girl's grandmother, of downplaying the true nature of the incident to protect Siduna. They argue that Michelle's 12-year-old brother was a witness to the attack and has provided a different version of events. According to the boy, Siduna poured the boiling water on Michelle intentionally, leading to a scream of pain from the child. The brother managed to pull Michelle to safety, but Siduna allegedly blocked their exit, staring menacingly at the victim.

Family members are furious over the situation, accusing authorities of failing to act decisively despite Siduna's violent past. Siduna was first incarcerated for the 2017 murder of his father and was later released after being deemed mentally unfit to stand trial. He was arrested again in 2022 for attempting to kill Michelle but was released from prison in April 2024 after serving nearly two years. Since his return, his behavior toward Michelle allegedly worsened, culminating in this tragic incident.

Grief and anger swept through the village as relatives and community members questioned why a known violent offender was allowed back into the family, despite his dangerous history. Chihwite described Siduna as a violent and dangerous individual, recounting multiple threats against her life and the life of Michelle since his release.

"I do not know what really happened, but this is not the first time he has done something like this. He killed his father in 2017, and they released him from jail saying he was mentally ill. Upon his release, he attacked and nearly killed Michelle in 2022," she said tearfully. "Since then, he has been trying to kill me on several occasions."

Michelle's mother, Sarah Siduna, who was living in South Africa at the time of the incident, expressed outrage over the failure of authorities to arrest her brother after his actions led to her daughter's death. She criticized both her mother for allegedly protecting Phibeon and the police for their lack of urgency in handling the case.

"Why do they continue releasing a convicted killer? He killed our father, and now my daughter, and he is still walking scot-free," Sarah said angrily. "They dragged their feet to make a police report. My son was there to tell them what happened, but they still did not act, believing my mother more than my son, who is a minor."

In a moment of raw grief, Sarah admitted confronting her brother after the funeral and attacking him in her anguish. She revealed that she had been told Phibeon might be hiding in Mutare but was frustrated by the apparent lack of police action.

"They told us that we should take him to a traditional healer. Is that justice?" Sarah demanded.

The tragic and disturbing events surrounding Michelle's death have raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the justice system and the reintegration of individuals with violent tendencies into society. The family, along with the local community, is calling for swift justice and a thorough investigation into why Siduna was allowed back into the family, despite his violent history. Meanwhile, the police have yet to take decisive action, and Siduna remains at large.