Man Faces Murder Charge After Feeding Stepdaughter Acid
A 24-year-old man from Shurugwi, Zimbabwe, Tatenda Masunda, has been charged with the murder of his three-month-old stepdaughter, after allegedly administering acid to her, leading to her tragic death.
Masunda, a resident of Donga and an employee at Nash 1 Mine, appeared before Magistrate Patricia Gwetsai on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, who ordered him to remain in custody pending further investigation. He is scheduled to appear in court again on November 15, 2024, to face the serious charges.
The disturbing incident took place last Friday, when Masunda allegedly brought home a 200ml spirit bottle filled with acid used in gold extraction, which he concealed inside the house. The child’s mother, Muchaneta Zindera, had left the home to wash clothes at a community borehole two kilometres away, leaving her infant daughter, Tatenda Junior Hwacha, in Masunda’s care.
It is claimed that once alone with the baby, Masunda administered the acid, causing the infant to cry in agony. Shortly after, Masunda returned the child to her mother before fleeing the area. Zindera, upon noticing her daughter’s deteriorating condition, rushed her to Zvamabande Hospital, from where she was transferred to Shurugwi District Hospital. Tragically, the infant passed away shortly after arrival.
Masunda managed to evade arrest until he was apprehended in Chegutu on Tuesday, November 12, after fleeing Shurugwi. Prosecutor Tafadzwa Guzete presented the case against him in court, outlining the details of the alleged crime.
The community remains in shock over the horrifying incident, as Masunda faces justice for the cruel and tragic death of his young stepdaughter. MultiChoice Nigeria Loses 243,000 Subscribers in Six Months
