Story by Yolanda Moyo
A man from Bulawayo has been charged with concealing the death of his six-year-old daughter, who allegedly succumbed to head injuries after being assaulted by her stepmother.
David Zhou, aged 47, is in police custody after allegedly concealing the death of his six-year-old daughter, who is alleged to have been beaten to death by her stepmother, Priscilla Muchape.
ZRP Bulawayo Spokesperson, Inspector Abednico Ncube told ZBC News that there are indications that the deceased collapsed after being assaulted before the father took her to United Bulawayo Hospitals where he allegedly falsely claimed that she had suffered multiple epilepsy seizures.
“On the 26th of May this year, the stepmother, Priscilla Muchape assaulted the now deceased refused to go to the toilet and this angered their stepmother who assaulted her with open hands, kicking her stomach and pushed her against the wall. The now-deceased collapsed after screaming once, which prompted the father to wake up from the bedroom where he was sleeping. They tried to render first aid but to no avail. They then hired a motor vehicle and quickly ferried the now-deceased to United Bulawayo Hospitals. Upon arrival at the hospital, the father lied to the medical personnel that the now deceased was an epileptic patient who suffered from severe fits. She collapsed and hit her head against the wall under severe seizures of fits,” he said.
However, post-mortem results and information relayed to the deceased’s relatives by her sister suggested foul play.
Said Inspector Ncube, “A post-mortem was done on the 29th of May 2023 and the results indicated that the cause of death was natural as the child suffered a brain injury. The body of the now deceased had multiple injuries, a fresh cut on the left ear, legs, feet and a swollen head. Investigations revealed that the now deceased was not epileptic instead the injuries she suffered were due to abuse by her stepmother.”
Police have also launched a manhunt for the stepmother who is still at large.
