Chegutu Woman Arrested for Allegedly Killing Granddaughter in Suspected Ritual Murder
A community in Chegutu, Zimbabwe, has been left in shock following the arrest of a woman accused of killing her own four-year-old granddaughter in what police suspect to be a ritual-related crime. The gruesome incident occurred on August 26 and has reignited debate around ritual killings, traditional beliefs, and child safety in the country.
Police Confirm The Suspected Ritual Murder Incident
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the case in a statement, identifying the suspect as Veronica Mudzipuri (52), an artisanal miner based in Chegutu.
“On August 26, Police in Chegutu arrested Veronica Mudzipuri (52) in connection with a murder case in which she allegedly killed her four-year-old granddaughter, Tawanayasha Kadhene, for ritual purposes in Shurugwi,” the statement read.
According to police investigations, Mudzipuri laced the child’s maheu drink with a pesticide pill before carrying out even more disturbing acts.
Disturbing Details of the Case
After poisoning the drink, the grandmother allegedly went on to cut flesh from the little girl’s cheek. Investigators revealed that Mudzipuri then mixed the flesh with herbs provided by a sangoma (traditional healer), cooked the concoction, and consumed it as part of a supposed ritual practice.
ALSO READ: 7 Family Members Die in Road Accident En Route to Tombstone Unveiling
The chilling nature of the crime has sparked anger and disbelief, with many struggling to comprehend how a grandmother could turn against her own flesh and blood in such a cruel and calculated manner.
Community Reaction
The small mining town of Chegutu has been engulfed in grief and outrage since the news broke. Residents described the incident as both heartbreaking and terrifying, saying it reflects the dangers of deep-rooted cultural practices being twisted into violent rituals.
One resident said, “This is unthinkable. How can a grandmother sacrifice her grandchild like this? We are all living in fear because of people who believe in such dark practices.”
The victim, four-year-old Tawanayasha, has been remembered as a joyful and energetic child whose life was cruelly cut short before she could even begin to understand the world around her.
Ritual Killings in Zimbabwe
This latest incident has revived concerns about ritual killings in Zimbabwe, which, although rare, still occur in isolated cases. Often referred to as “muti murders”, such killings are typically linked to superstitious beliefs that human body parts can bring wealth, power, or good fortune when used in rituals.
Authorities and human rights groups have repeatedly condemned such acts, calling for greater community awareness, tougher penalties, and education to root out harmful practices that endanger children and vulnerable people.
Police and Legal Action
Mudzipuri has since been remanded in custody and is expected to appear in court soon to answer to murder charges. The police have assured the public that thorough investigations are underway and urged communities to remain vigilant against individuals who might attempt to exploit cultural beliefs for violent or criminal ends.
“The ZRP continues to warn members of the public against engaging in ritual-related crimes. Such acts are not only unlawful but deeply damaging to society. The law will take its course without fear or favor,” a police spokesperson said.
Calls for Protection of Children
Child rights activists and local organizations have called for urgent measures to ensure the safety of children across Zimbabwe. They argue that incidents like this highlight the need for stronger community surveillance, better reporting systems, and stiffer legal consequences for those who harm minors.
“Children must never be sacrificed for misguided beliefs in rituals. This tragedy should push us as a society to stand against harmful cultural practices that destroy lives,” one activist commented.
A Family Torn Apart
The murder has left the family shattered. Relatives are grappling with the reality that the suspected killer is not a stranger but a trusted family member. The betrayal, combined with the horrific manner in which the crime was allegedly carried out, has deepened their trauma.
Funeral arrangements for young Tawanayasha are expected to be finalized once investigations are complete.
Conclusion
The Chegutu incident stands as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by ritual-related violence in Zimbabwe. What was supposed to be the safe embrace of a grandmother instead became a place of unimaginable betrayal for four-year-old Tawanayasha.
As the legal process unfolds, communities across the country are left grappling with sorrow, fear, and urgent questions about how to protect children from similar tragedies in the future.
