In a harrowing case that has shocked the community, the police have arrested the man who r@ped and impregnated the teenage girl who died after giving birth to twins.
The incident unfolded as the police intercepted a vehicle transporting the girl’s body for burial, leading to the arrest of Tatenda Zhanje, the suspect accused of perpetrating the heinous crime.
The victim, identified as Yeukai Dandara, tragically passed away two weeks after giving birth to twins. Evernice Dandara, Yeukai’s aunt, signed the burial order documents, indicating the family’s grief and their determination to seek justice.
Medical records confirmed that Yeukai gave birth to twins on January 10 at Sally Mugabe Maternity Hospital. Tragically, she returned to the hospital on January 24 due to complications and passed away on January 25. The twins, fortunately, remain in good health and are under the care of Tatenda’s mother, Veronica Zhanje.
Initially thought to be 14 years old, conflicting reports have, however, emerged, suggesting Yeukai may have been 16 at the time of her death. Disturbingly, it was discovered that attempts had been made to manipulate Yeukai’s medical records, falsely indicating that she was 18 years old.
An investigation by H-Metro uncovered evidence suggesting tampering with Yeukai’s medical records at the Sally Mugabe Hospital’s maternity ward.
Furthermore, the landlady, where Tatenda and the now deceased Yeukai were renting in Glenwood, claims that they tore Yeukai’s birth certificate.
“They tore the deceased’s original birth certificate and were planning to acquire another one in order to get a burial order,” she said.
A new birth certificate stating that Yeukai was 18 years old when she d!ed was reportedly acquired yesterday.
It remains unclear whether medical staff were deceived or involved in the falsification. Authorities from the police’s Victim Friendly Unit arrived at the hospital after Yeukai’s family had already collected her body and departed for Dandara Village in Murehwa.
Meanwhile, Tatenda Zhanje, the alleged perpetrator, had been missing before his apprehension at the Highlands Police Station. His absence during the collection of Yeukai’s body from Sally Mugabe Hospital raised suspicions among her grieving family members. During questioning, Tatenda initially provided conflicting personal information, claiming to be 24 years old before revising his age to 22. He also claimed that his identity card had been lost on the way to the police station.
Tatenda was released temporarily to participate in Yeukai’s burial. He is expected to report back to the police on Monday for further interrogation.
Source iHarare
