Ritz Mcleish, a prominent Zimbabwean influencer recently reviewed that a relationship that started online ended with her becoming pregnant and ultimately being abandoned by her boyfriend, Dave (whose real name is Slag Kasimu).
Left to navigate the challenges of single motherhood, Mcleish now faces overwhelming difficulties.
What began as a connection on TikTok quickly escalated into cohabitation at Kasimu’s farm in Banket.
However, the seemingly perfect life soon unraveled. Mcleish claims that disputes over the child’s expected birthdate led to Kasimu demanding DNA tests, which marked the beginning of the end for their relationship, culminating in his alleged abandonment of her and their newborn.
The fallout from this abandonment has taken a serious toll on Mcleish.
Struggling to care for her five-month-old child, she is now grappling with severe financial strain and emotional turmoil.
Reflecting on her social media presence, she expressed regret, stating that her life has taken a turn for the worse since gaining fame online.
“To be honest, I regret going on social media because of the miserable life I am living,” she said, drawing a stark contrast between her online image and her current circumstances.
Describing the alleged circumstances surrounding her ordeal, Mcleish shared, “Dave seduced me, impregnated me, and then dumped me, leaving me to fend for our baby. I discovered his abusive nature when I was already pregnant; he took me to his sister’s place and later abandoned me in Banket where I gave birth to his son.”
The claims of abus3 extend beyond mere abandonment.
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Mcleish reports verbal abuse from Kasimu, including derogatory remarks and even calls for her to harm the baby. His apparent indifference to the child’s well-being is evident in Mcleish’s recounting of his comments: “He said he never intended to have the baby, and to him, it’s as if the baby doesn’t exist; he cannot care for it.”
After experiencing abandonment, Mcleish sought shelter with her aunt in Mhondoro, facing additional challenges due to her parents’ strict adherence to the Jehovah’s Witness faith. Resolute in her pursuit of justice, she has vowed to seek legal recourse against Kasimu.
However, Kasimu’s sister, Eunice, provided a different perspective, defending her brother and disputing Mcleish’s claims. She stated that she offered care during Mcleish’s pregnancy and that Kasimu had raised doubts about the child’s paternity due to the baby’s lighter skin tone, which resembled his own. Eunice mentioned that while they contemplated DNA testing, they ultimately decided against it.
“We had plans to take the baby for DNA tests but later felt it would be a waste of resources. If Ritz is honest, that baby must belong to someone,” she asserted.
Currently, Mcleish is living with a friend in Harare, facing an unstable situation. Her friend highlighted the harsh realities of their lives, noting the lack of basic necessities such as sanitary pads and enough clothing for the baby. They emphasized the urgent need for support, adding, “Imagine that we are washing just a few baby clothes. Eunice and Dave have been sending abusive messages to Ritz while neglecting the baby. This is cruel and heartless, and we are pleading for help.”
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