Nurse slaps, kicks heavily pregnant woman

A nurse at Nyamazira Clinic in Makoni North is facing allegations of assault after he allegedly slapped a heavily pregnant woman and kicked her in the abdomen following a dispute over the use of buckets at the clinic's water tap.

The nurse-in-charge at the clinic, Shingirai Nyongolo, admitted slapping Ms Chipo Gavi-Tsiga, who was nine months pregnant at the time, but denied kicking her in the abdomen as alleged.

The incident reportedly occurred on July 13, just three days before Ms Gavi-Tsiga gave birth.

Speaking to The Manica Post, Ms Gavi-Tsiga said the altercation began when she and other expectant mothers took buckets used in the maternity waiting shelter to the clinic's tap to wash them.

She alleged that Nyongolo accused the women of bringing unhygienic containers to the clinic's only water source and became angry when they defended themselves.

"We had gone to fetch water and found him at the tap. He complained that we were bringing urinary buckets to the tap. We explained that we were not using the buckets to relieve ourselves because of our condition, but he insisted that they were dirty," she said.

"He continued scolding us and I told him he was being too talkative. He then became angry, kicked me in the stomach and slapped me on my right eye. My eye became swollen and I have been experiencing back pains since then."

Ms Gavi-Tsiga said she reported the matter to Mayo Police Station but was advised to first obtain a medical report before a formal docket could be opened.

She said that after the incident, Nyongolo visited her family several times seeking forgiveness.

"I was assaulted on July 13 and gave birth on July 16. Since then, he has visited our home several times seeking forgiveness. He initially offered me US$25 and later increased the amount to US$150, but I have not accepted because I am still in pain," she said.

The new mother said she has not yet undergone a medical examination because of financial constraints and her condition following childbirth.

Responding to the allegations, Nyongolo admitted slapping Ms Gavi-Tsiga but denied ever kicking her.

He said the dispute arose after he reprimanded the women for washing dirty buckets at the clinic's only water source.

"I advised the pregnant women not to wash the buckets they use at the tap because it is the only water point we have. I told them to fetch clean water first and wash the dirty buckets elsewhere," he said.

Nyongolo claimed the confrontation escalated after one of the women made remarks about the buckets he was using while watering his garden.

"I was watering my garden when one of them remarked that I should also avoid bringing muddy buckets to the same tap. The woman then insulted me, saying she would look for the person who had knocked out my teeth and have my remaining tooth removed. I was deeply offended and I slapped her," he said.

He maintained that he never kicked Ms Gavi-Tsiga.

"I did not kick her. I admitted slapping her because I lost my temper. I later visited her family and apologised. They accepted my apology, but they still want the matter to proceed through the police," he said.

Ms Gavi-Tsiga's husband, Trymore Tsiga, said he was shocked that a healthcare worker allegedly assaulted his wife.

"It is disturbing that a nurse who was supposed to be caring for my wife ended up assaulting her," he said.

Mr Tsiga further alleged that when he confronted Nyongolo, the nurse responded aggressively.

"I asked him what had happened and he told me that if we could not control our wives at home, they would discipline them at the clinic. He also threatened that he could discipline me as well," he alleged.

He said his wife sustained visible injuries and that the family had delayed pursuing the matter until after the birth of their child.

"When she was assaulted, her eye was swollen and she could barely see. We decided to wait until she delivered before pursuing the matter further. The police have requested a medical report from Rusape General Hospital, but we currently do not have the money for transport and she is not yet fit to travel. Her eye remains painful, red and swollen," he said.

Contacted for comment, Makoni District Medical Officer Dr Tendai Nyafesa said he was not yet aware of the incident.

"I am not aware of the case at the moment. Let me make inquiries," he said.

Police had not issued an official statement on the matter at the time of publication.