Toddler dies after alleged beating by guardian

A two-and-a-half-year-old boy has died in Harare after allegedly being beaten by his guardian for soiling himself.

Malvern Mutekesi was reportedly assaulted by his 25-year-old guardian, Panashe Mutekesi, who had been looking after the child since December last year while his mother worked as a domestic worker in Glendale.

According to reports, Panashe allegedly assaulted the toddler after he messed himself. She then bathed the child and put him to sleep.

At around 5pm that day, Malvern reportedly began showing signs that he was unwell and was taken to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, where he was admitted for treatment.

The toddler died at the hospital last week at around 9am.

A post-mortem examination was subsequently conducted, with the findings reportedly attributing his death to a traumatic brain injury. The report recommended that police investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

Panashe has reportedly gone into hiding following the incident.

The case was reported at ZRP Machipisa under RRB 6893876.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi could not immediately be reached for comment.