Bikita Woman Arrested For Poisoning Neighbour’s 4-Year-Old Child Over Goat Dispute

Tragedy In Masvingo: Four-Year-Old Girl Poisoned In Goat Dispute

A shocking tragedy has struck Mandinyenya Village in Bikita, Masvingo, where a four-year-old girl was poisoned and later died following a bitter dispute over goats that had strayed into a neighbour’s field. Police have confirmed the arrest of three suspects, including a 60-year-old woman accused of administering the poison.

Police Confirm Arrests

In a statement issued on 12 October 2025, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed that three people had been taken into custody over the murder of little Sabina Maziva.

According to the police, the suspects are Violet Gamera (60), Chamunorwa Kwanga (60), and Regina Tavengerarwei (30).

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the case was one of the most disturbing to be reported in recent months.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms the arrest of Violet Gamera, aged 60, Chamunorwa Kwanga, aged 60, and Regina Tavengerarwei, aged 30, in connection with the murder of a four-year-old girl, Sabina Maziva, which occurred in Mandinyenya Village, Bikita,”
said Assistant Commissioner Nyathi.

Poisoned Rice And A Child’s Death

Investigations revealed that the incident began on 1 October 2025, when Gamera allegedly gave Sabina rice laced with poison. This was reportedly in retaliation after goats belonging to Sabina’s parents destroyed crops in her field.

Nyathi explained:

“Initial investigations show that on 1st October, the child was given poisoned rice by the suspect. She later began vomiting and was taken to a local clinic where she was attended to. Unfortunately, her condition worsened, and she died on 5th October 2025.”

The girl was laid to rest on 8 October 2025, but questions from the community prompted a deeper probe.

During the burial, suspicions were raised that the child had been poisoned. Villagers reported the matter to Chief Ziki on 10 October 2025, who instructed Sabina’s mother to approach the police.

More Suspects Named

As the investigation continued, Gamera reportedly implicated two others. She claimed that Kwanga was the one who advised her to poison the child, while Tavengerarwei allegedly provided the poison.

Police said they have since recovered rat poison and a liquid suspected to be a cotton pesticide. Both substances are believed to have been used in the crime. The body of Sabina was exhumed and taken to Silveira Mission Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.

Assistant Commissioner Nyathi condemned the act and urged villagers to seek peaceful solutions to disputes.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police strongly condemns criminal acts and cruelty in society, especially those that endanger the lives of innocent children. We urge members of the public to resolve disputes through lawful and peaceful means.”