Zim GBC News | Masvingo Correspondent
BIKITA – Police in Masvingo have arrested three individuals, including a sixty-year-old woman, in connection with the murder of a four-year-old girl who was allegedly poisoned in a shocking revenge attack stemming from a dispute over goats.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) identified the suspects as Violet Gamera (60), Chamunorwa Kwanga (60), and Regina Tavengerarwei (30). They are linked to the death of Sabina Maziva of Mandinyenya Village.
In a statement, ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that investigations established the minor was deliberately poisoned.
“Initial investigations reveal that on 1st October 2025, Violet Gamera allegedly gave the victim poisoned rice as an act of revenge against the child’s parents, whose goats had previously destroyed her crops,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
The child fell ill shortly after consuming the food.
“The child began vomiting shortly after eating the food and was taken to a local clinic for treatment,” Nyathi stated.
Despite medical intervention, Sabina’s condition deteriorated, and she tragically passed away on 5 October 2025.
She was buried on 8 October, but the case took a turn when community suspicions of foul play emerged during the funeral proceedings.
“During the burial, it emerged that the child may have been poisoned, prompting the community to refer the matter to Chief Ziki on 10th October 2025. The Chief then instructed the victim’s mother to report the matter to the police,” Nyathi explained.
This community intervention led to a police investigation, which resulted in the arrests. According to police, Gamera implicated her co-accused during questioning.
“Violet Gamera implicated Chamunorwa Kwanga as the person who advised her to poison the child. She further implicated Regina Tavengerarwei as the supplier of the poison,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
Police have since recovered critical evidence, including rat poison and a liquid substance suspected to be a cotton pesticide. To determine the exact cause of death,
“The body of the victim has been exhumed and taken to Silveira Mission Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination,” Nyathi added.
Commissioner Nyathi concluded with a strong condemnation of the crime, urging the public to seek peaceful resolutions.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police strongly condemns criminal acts and cruelty in society, especially those that endanger the lives of innocent children. We urge members of the public to resolve disputes through lawful and peaceful means.”
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