Girl (6) dies after beatings by uncle for failing to write own name
Mopane switches, sjambok used over two-day abuse - police
By Auther Chimbgwa
A six-year-old girl died following repeated beatings by her uncle who was punishing her for failing to correctly write her name.
Confirming the incident, police spokesperson for Midlands Province Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, said the beatings were allegedly carried out using Mopane tree switches and a rubber sjambok for two consecutive days – 18 and 19 January 2026.
He identified the suspect as Takudzwa Wellington Chimuka (28) of village Kosvoro under Chief Masunda in Zvishavane.
Said Mahoko: “The now deceased was identified as Praise Tsomeka, and police preliminary investigations led to the arrest of her uncle Takudzwa Wellington Chimuka (28) in whose custody she was staying.”
On 18 January 2026 at about 5pm, Chimutsa returned from work and started to teach Praise – his cousin’s daughter – to write her name.
He allegedly kept beating her using Mopane switches when she continued to write her name incorrectly.
On 19 January 2026, said Mahoko, the abuse continued, and when the switches broke, Chimutsa allegedly used a rubber sjambok.
But on 21 January, Praise began showing signs of weakness and excruciating pain.
Chimutsa and his wife took her to a self-styled prophet who prayed for her before the couple took her to Zvishavane District Hospital where the minor died upon admission.
“We take this opportunity to reiterate the call for parents and guardians of children to always treat them in a humane manner,” Mahoko said.
