Mental patient drowns own child

POLICE in Mashonaland East province are investigating a case in which a 32-year-old woman from Seke drowned her four-yearold daughter in Hunyani Dam in Dema.

The incident occurred on Monday this week in Mangwende Village under Chief Seke.

Police acting spokesperson Assistant Inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed that they had arrested Winnie Zhuwawo, the biological mother to Patience Hamamiti, on murder charges.

“It is stated that on May 28, Zhuwawo — who is believed to be mentally challenged — was sleeping in her bedroom together with her daughter and her 70-year-old mother, she allegedly sneaked out of the room while carrying her child in the wee hours and proceeded to Hunyani Dam where she is believed to have thrown herself and her daughter in what we suspect as a suicide attempt,” Asst Insp Mwanza said.

He said an unnamed villager reportedly noticed Zhuwawo floating on the edges of the dam and he alerted Zhuwawo’s brother who together with other relatives rushed to the dam and rescued her.

“When she was rescued and gained consciousness, Zhuwawo revealed to her relatives that she had thrown her baby into the same dam,” he said.

“Unfortunately, her daughter’s lifeless body was found floating on the other side of the dam.”

A report was made at ZRP Dema who took Zhuwawo into custody wihile she assists them with investigations.

The child’s body was taken to Chitungwiza General Hospital for post-mortem, said Asst Insp Mwanza.

He appealed to guardians of mentally challenged patients to monitor their movements and assist them in taking their medication timeously to avoid such unfortunate incidents.