A Mabvuku woman is facing murder charges after allegedly beating her four-year-old stepdaughter to death in a brutal attack. Memory Moyana, 20, appeared in court yesterday, charged with the murder of Tatenda Moyana.
The horrific incident unfolded on Monday afternoon, culminating in the child’s tragic death, leaving the community in shock and highlighting the devastating consequences of child abuse.
The details of the attack, as recounted by a neighbour, Lorrein Makore, paint a disturbing picture of the events leading up to the child’s death. Makore first noticed something amiss when she heard Tatenda crying. Moments later, the child emerged from Moyana’s room with visible bruises on her chest and mouth.
Later that afternoon, Tatenda reappeared, this time with soiled clothing, pleading for tissues. After Moyana assisted her, the two went back into their room, where, according to Makore, Moyana pushed Tatenda against the wall, accusing her of soiling herself. Some time later, Makore saw Moyana carrying an unconscious Tatenda.
Instead of seeking immediate medical attention, Moyana and her husband, Talent Muchato, 26, took the child to a self-proclaimed prophet. The prophet declared the child dead, and the couple then transported the body to Nyazura for burial.
