Zimbabwean woman beats 16-year-old daughter to death over boyfriends

Stella Mwale, 38, is assisting police with investigations, following the death of her daughter, Hilda Chikumba, who died after an assault.

Acting police spokesperson of Mashonaland East province Assistant Inspector Tendai Mwanza has confirmed the incident.

“I confirm the death of a young girl, who was allegedly beaten to death by her mother over boyfriends. I urge people to desist from using emotions to solve disputes. In such circumstances, it is important for one to be calm to avoid such incidents,” he says.

According to police, on March 30, Mwale visited Hilda, who stays with her aunt in Macheke.

It is said Mwale went to bed with the now-deceased before advising her to concentrate on her studies instead of chasing after boys.

It is alleged that Hilda rudely responded to her mother, saying she was old enough to make decisions for herself. She also reportedly told her mother that she had several boyfriends. This did not go down well with Mwale, who according to the report dragged Hilda outside before assaulting her with a cane several times all over the body.

It is reported that Hilda fell unconscious and efforts to resuscitate her were unsuccessful and she died.

A report was made at Macheke Police Station, who conveyed the corpse to Marondera Provincial Hospital, while Mwale was arrested on murder charges.

Newsday