Couple arrested after killing 9-month-old from woman’s previous relationship

Zimbabweans will have to get used to this for the next two months – PIC: Ankur Sharma

A tragic case of an arrest made by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (Zrp) has been confirmed.

On 19 November 2022, ZRP Sanyati acted on a tip-off and arrested Pelagia Jakaza (19) and her husband, Bonface Mberengwa (23). This was for a case of murder in which they allegedly conspired to kill Jakaza’s nine-month-old child sired from a previous relationship.

They allegedly did so by drowning the victim in a bucket of water, on 09 November 2022.

The two buried the remains in a shallow grave on an anthill at Mapfuti Village, Sanyati.

Police recovered the bucket used in drowning the victim and exhumed the body.

According to the Infanticide Act, “A woman who, within six months of the birth of her child, unlawfully and intentionally causes the child’s death at a time when the balance of her mind is disturbed as a result of giving birth to the child, shall be guilty of the offence of infanticide and liable to imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years.”

That is in case you are wondering whether it should be infanticide.

Given that the child is above the six months, it would appear as if the charge will be murder, as stated.