A ‘cruel’ stepmother has been arrested after she allegedly tortured her partner’s three-year-old daughter to death.
Nothando Mpofu of Nketa suburb in Bulawayo was taking care of the now-deceased tot and would occasionally assault her with a cooking stick and switches.
Neighbours who spoke to CITE confirmed that Mpofu used to abuse the child.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident.
“This happened on the second of March around 5 pm where the now-deceased who was unwell for some time started vomiting after consuming some Isitshwala and milk. The stepmother then informed her neighbour and the landlord that the child was not well,” said Inspector Ncube.
He said an ambulance was summoned and upon arrival, it was discovered that the child had died.
A report was made to the police and it was during investigations and assessment of the deceased’s body that the child was found to have multiple injuries.
“Some were fresh scars while some were old. It was then proven and the woman later confessed that she has been abusing the child for some time now,” said Inspector Ncube.
“The accused person confirmed that on different occasions she used a cooking stick and switches to assault the innocent child.”
The police spokesperson said the woman is set to appear in court soon.
Inspector Ncube urged those who witness such incidents to inform the police.
“It is disappointing to note that some neighbours witnessed such cases, failed to report to the police on time and only came through social media that they have been witnessing these brutal acts without having taken action,” he said.
“We are urging members of the public to report instantly cases of abuse whether domestic-related violence, child abuse or any cases that you are seeing committed in your neighbourhood.”
