In a deeply distressing incident that has shocked the community, a 24-year-old domestic worker, Leaflet Ndlovu, residing in Mbamba Village under Chief Gampu in Tsholotsho, Matabeleland North province, has been accused of conspiring with her new boyfriend to kill her 11-month-old child from a previous relationship.
The events unfolded on the evening of September 8 when Leaflet allegedly colluded with her boyfriend, Trust Mitsi, who is currently at large, in an attempt to strangle her infant daughter. Tragically, the child survived the ordeal but suffered severe injuries. In an attempt to conceal their sinister act, Leaflet informed Givemore Ndlovu, her employer’s younger brother, the following day that the child was unwell.
Givemore rushed to see the infant and discovered her in distress, with visible signs of pain and a swollen left leg. Concerned for the child’s well-being, he accompanied Leaflet and the baby to Bakisani Gambule’s residence, seeking assistance from Hleziphi Ncube, a community health worker. However, Ncube suspected foul play and advised them to seek medical attention, as she suspected the child may have been assaulted or fallen from a height.
Tragically, while returning home, the child passed away. Givemore promptly reported the incident to the authorities, leading to an investigation. A subsequent examination by the police revealed that the cause of the child’s death was asphyxiation due to strangulation.
Leaflet was subsequently arrested and has since appeared before Plumtree magistrate Joshua Nembaware, where she faces a murder charge. As the legal proceedings progress, she has been remanded in custody until October 2, with the magistrate advising her to seek bail at the High Court. The state was represented by Arnold Mudekunye during the hearing.
