News / National
Teenage bride dies by suicide after domestic abuse
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A tragic case of domestic violence has claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl in Chimanimani, after she allegedly took her own life by drinking poison following a beating by her husband over grocery money.
The deceased, Loveness Makorokoto, died upon admission at Rusitu Mission Hospital on Monday afternoon, police have confirmed.
Manicaland Police Acting Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, told Chipinge Times that preliminary investigations indicate that Makorokoto was assaulted by her 30-year-old husband, Simbarashe Marira, who was reportedly demanding change from a US$20 note he had given her to purchase groceries.
"After the alleged assault, the girl approached a neighbour, Rumbidzai Makuza, around 2 p.m. and informed her that she had ingested poison because of the altercation," said Chinyoka.
Alarmed by the confession, Makuza rushed Makorokoto to Rusitu Mission Hospital. Tragically, she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Police have launched a full investigation into the matter.
The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls from child rights activists and community leaders for stronger enforcement of laws against child marriage and domestic violence. According to Zimbabwean law, marriage under the age of 18 is illegal, but cases like Makorokoto's continue to surface, particularly in rural areas.
Human rights organisations have condemned the incident as a reflection of systemic failures to protect vulnerable young girls from abuse. The Zimbabwe Gender Commission and other stakeholders are expected to comment on the matter in the coming days.
The deceased, Loveness Makorokoto, died upon admission at Rusitu Mission Hospital on Monday afternoon, police have confirmed.
Manicaland Police Acting Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, told Chipinge Times that preliminary investigations indicate that Makorokoto was assaulted by her 30-year-old husband, Simbarashe Marira, who was reportedly demanding change from a US$20 note he had given her to purchase groceries.
"After the alleged assault, the girl approached a neighbour, Rumbidzai Makuza, around 2 p.m. and informed her that she had ingested poison because of the altercation," said Chinyoka.
Police have launched a full investigation into the matter.
The incident has sparked outrage and renewed calls from child rights activists and community leaders for stronger enforcement of laws against child marriage and domestic violence. According to Zimbabwean law, marriage under the age of 18 is illegal, but cases like Makorokoto's continue to surface, particularly in rural areas.
Human rights organisations have condemned the incident as a reflection of systemic failures to protect vulnerable young girls from abuse. The Zimbabwe Gender Commission and other stakeholders are expected to comment on the matter in the coming days.
Source - online
