Beatrice Toddler (2) Dies During Kunatira/Ukuthunqisela Steaming Ritual
A steaming session meant for healing ended in heartbreak when a two-year-old boy from Fresney Farm in Beatrice lost his life in a freak accident.
Police confirmed that the toddler was with his mother on Thursday, 15 August 2025, steaming under a blanket using hot water and zumbani, a practice locally known as kunatira in Shona or ukuthunqisela in Ndebele.
How the Accident Happened
According to national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the little boy accidentally touched a plastic dish filled with boiling water during the process. The hot water spilled onto his body, burning his right side and neck.
Despite being rushed to Beatrice Hospital, doctors could not save him, and he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Nyathi said the police were deeply saddened by the case, urging families to exercise extreme caution when steaming, especially with young children.
“The ZRP reports a sad incident which occurred at Fresney Farm, Beatrice, on 15/08/25, where a two-year-old male infant died after suffering burns from hot water. The incident happened while the victim and his mother were under a steaming blanket with hot water and zumbani. The child accidentally handled a plastic dish containing hot water, which spilled onto him, causing burns on his right side and neck. He was rushed to Beatrice Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival,” Nyathi said.
Public Doubts as Beatrice Toddler Dies During Kunatira
After the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) shared the case on X, Crime Watch Zimbabwe reshared it, sparking heated debate online. While some expressed sympathy and sadness, others questioned whether the full truth had been told about what really happened.
Here are some of the reactions:
@MazvimbakupaK:
“The mother knows the truth, not this cooked up version. Unless the mother said the kid was lying on the floor.”
@zimyeropa:
“Very sad.”
@lennox_mhlanga:
“Eish.”
@ChimhamhaZw:
“
”
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The post Beatrice Toddler (2) Dies During Kunatira/Ukuthunqisela Steaming Ritual appeared first on iHarare News.
