By Ndinatsei Mavodza
GUTU– The Mafusire community under Chief Mazuru in Gutu was left in shock after a 28-year-old woman, Angeline Dzikorehondo, allegedly strangled her newborn baby boy moments after giving birth.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident, which occurred on November 15, 2025 around 8am.
“I can confirm a case of infanticide that occurred in Gutu. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the matter,” said Inspector Dhewa.
According to police, Dzikorehondo had left home early that morning with her 77-year-old grandmother, Shumirayi Gubunje, to cultivate their field.
While working, Dzikorehondo reportedly began experiencing labour pains and hurried back to her bedroom, locking herself inside.
Family members say it was not known that she was pregnant.
While inside the locked room, she is alleged to have given birth to a baby boy and immediately strangled him.
Unbeknown to her, Dzikorehondo’s two other children, aged nine and six, were playing outside and heard unusual noises and crying from the bedroom.
They alerted a 16-year-old boy who was passing by, who in turn informed the grandmother.
Gubunje confronted her granddaughter, who reportedly admitted to what had happened.
The matter was then reported to police in Bhasera.
Police officers later recovered the infant’s body, wrapped in a sack and abandoned about 30 metres from the homestead in a nearby bushy area.
Inspector Dhewa said investigations were ongoing and Dzikorehondo is expected to appear in court soon on charges relating to the death of the newborn.
Under Section 48 of Zimbabwe’s Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, infanticide is recognized as a distinct offense and is defined as causing the death of a child within the first six months of life.
While Dzikorehondo’s motives remain unknown, research indicates that most women commit this act because of reasons such as mental health disorders, economic stress, incest and unplanned pregnancy.
Regardless of these reasons, the fact remains that Dzikorehondo strangled her new born baby.
