Father kills daughter for ritual purposes

Ephraim Munhuwei

A man from Gokwe, identified as Thomas Muzenda, has been accused of murdering his 2-year-old daughter in a suspected ritual act. The incident took place in January 2023 in Village 17 Mupukuta, under Chief Chireya in Gokwe North.

According to reports, Thomas Muzenda, aged 38, divorced his wife and obtained custody of their two children, aged 7 and 2. He sent the 7-year-old boy to live with his mother and kept the two-year-old girl with him.

Allegedly, Muzenda sought the assistance of a traditional healer known as Dhumba, with the intention of enhancing his mining business through rituals. Dhumba allegedly advised Muzenda to sacrifice one of his children.

In January 2023, Muzenda reportedly killed his 2-year-old daughter, removed her heart, and disposed of her body in an abandoned mine. The incident came to light when the maternal grandmother of the deceased child visited Muzenda’s residence and inquired about her granddaughter’s whereabouts. Unsatisfied with the response she received, she reported the matter to the police.

As a result, Muzenda was arrested, and the case was submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe on August 7, 2023, at the Mutora Magistrate Court in Gokwe Nembudziya. The case has been adjourned until the high court date for trial proceedings.

Meanwhile, Thomas Muzenda remains in custody, and the police are actively investigating to locate Dhumba, the alleged accomplice who is currently at large.

Authorities are urging members of the public with any information that may assist in the investigation and apprehension of Dhumba to report to the nearest police station.