Crimes and Courts Correspondent
A 22-year-old woman from Lupane in Matabeleland North, Patience Gelly Moyo, has been charged with murder after she allegedly killes her 14-month-old child in a brutal and disturbing manner.
Prosecutor Clive Gumbo revealed in court that Moyo smashed her child’s head against a rock on September 6, resulting in instant death. Following the horrific act, she hid the body under her bed and only later informed her mother-in-law about the child’s demise, which led to her arrest.
Moyo appeared before Lupane resident magistrate Barbra Phiri and was remanded in custody until October 1. She has been advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
This tragic incident sheds light on the issue of infanticide, which has been a persistent problem throughout human history. In some cultures, infanticide was practiced as a means of population control or to eliminate unwanted children. However, in modern times, it is widely recognized as a severe violation of human rights and a tragic loss of life.
Infanticide Statistics:
- Prehistoric Era: Estimated infanticide rates ranged from 15% to 50% of total births.
- Ancient Civilizations: Infanticide was practiced in various forms, including abandonment and sacrifice.
- Modern Times: Infanticide remains a rare but devastating occurrence in industrialized countries.
It’s crucial to address the underlying factors contributing to such tragic events and ensure support systems are in place to prevent them from happening.
Zim GBC News©2024