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Stepfather arrested over murder of 4-month-old baby
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A 30-year-old man from Gokwe Centre in Zimbabwe's Midlands province has been arrested in connection with the suspected murder of his four-month-old stepdaughter, in a case that has shocked the local community.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, Last Maphosa, who was staying with his 18-year-old partner, Princess Muchenje, and her infant daughter at Cheziya Red Roof Stands.
According to police reports, the incident occurred earlier this month when Muchenje, who was reportedly unwell at the time, left her daughter in Maphosa's care.
"Maphosa took the baby to Kambasha Business Centre, allegedly to buy cigarettes, but returned home without her, claiming to have left her with his sister," said Asst Insp Mahoko.
Muchenje, reportedly suspicious of the explanation, questioned Maphosa, who then returned to the business centre and came back with the baby wrapped in a blanket. He claimed the child was asleep.
However, the situation took a tragic turn when Muchenje attempted to feed the infant and discovered that the baby had died. The discovery led to Maphosa's immediate arrest.
Maphosa appeared in Gokwe Magistrates' Court on 14 May 2025 and was remanded in custody to 28 May 2025 as investigations continue.
Police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the death of the infant.
"The investigation is still ongoing, and we urge anyone with knowledge of the events on that day to come forward and assist law enforcement," said Asst Insp Mahoko.
The case has sparked outrage and grief within the Gokwe community, with many calling for justice for the young child whose life was cut short under mysterious and tragic circumstances.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, Last Maphosa, who was staying with his 18-year-old partner, Princess Muchenje, and her infant daughter at Cheziya Red Roof Stands.
According to police reports, the incident occurred earlier this month when Muchenje, who was reportedly unwell at the time, left her daughter in Maphosa's care.
"Maphosa took the baby to Kambasha Business Centre, allegedly to buy cigarettes, but returned home without her, claiming to have left her with his sister," said Asst Insp Mahoko.
Muchenje, reportedly suspicious of the explanation, questioned Maphosa, who then returned to the business centre and came back with the baby wrapped in a blanket. He claimed the child was asleep.
However, the situation took a tragic turn when Muchenje attempted to feed the infant and discovered that the baby had died. The discovery led to Maphosa's immediate arrest.
Maphosa appeared in Gokwe Magistrates' Court on 14 May 2025 and was remanded in custody to 28 May 2025 as investigations continue.
Police are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in uncovering the full circumstances surrounding the death of the infant.
"The investigation is still ongoing, and we urge anyone with knowledge of the events on that day to come forward and assist law enforcement," said Asst Insp Mahoko.
The case has sparked outrage and grief within the Gokwe community, with many calling for justice for the young child whose life was cut short under mysterious and tragic circumstances.
Source - the herald
