Girl (4) Poisoned to Death

A Bikita village is grief-stricken following the death of a four-year-old girl who was allegedly poisoned by a villager over a dispute involving grazing goats. The suspect is said to have laced the child’s food with rat poison and a cotton insecticide.

National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the tragic incident, saying three people have been arrested in connection with the case.

“The ZRP confirms the arrest of Violet Gamera (60), Violet Kwanga (60), and Regina Tavengerarwei (30) in connection with a case of murder involving a four-year-old girl, Sabina Maziva, which occurred in Mandinyenya Village, Bikita,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

“Initial investigations reveal that on 1 October 2025, Gamera allegedly gave the victim poisoned rice as an act of revenge against the child’s parents, whose goats had previously destroyed her crops.

“The child later began vomiting and was taken to a local clinic, where she received medical attention. Unfortunately, her condition worsened, leading to her death on 5 October 2025,” he said.

The matter reportedly came to light during the girl’s burial ceremony after community members suspected foul play.

Commissioner Nyathi said the case was brought before Chief Ziki, who then referred the parents to the police.

“Following investigations, Gamera implicated Kwanga as the person who advised her to poison the child. She also implicated Tavengerarwei as the supplier of the poison.

“The police have since recovered a liquid substance suspected to be a cotton pesticide, believed to have been used in the commission of the crime.

“The body of the victim has since been taken to Silveira Mission Hospital for a post-mortem,” said Commissioner Nyathi.