Teen Stepmom (18) Strangles Toddler (3) to Death

Gweru, Zimbabwe - Police in the Midlands Province have launched a murder investigation following the death of a three-year-old boy, allegedly at the hands of his teenage stepmother in a remote village in Gokwe South.

The incident occurred on Friday morning, February 13, in Madzura Village under Chief Sai, marking a grim start to the weekend for the local community.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) identified the deceased victim as Alvin Makore.

The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Sharai Foromani, lived with the child at their family homestead.

Police say the tragedy unfolded around 10:00 a.m. when the young boy reportedly went into the bushes behind the homestead to relieve himself.

Investigations into the matter allege that Foromani followed the toddler into the thicket and carried the boy further, where she strangled him to death before abandoning the body.

The alarm was raised by the boy’s uncle, 55-year-old Dambudzo Machona, after the child had been missing for an unusually long period.

"After not seeing Alvin for a substantial period, his uncle... inquired about his whereabouts and did not get a satisfactory answer from Sharai Foromani," said Midlands Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko.

A subsequent search of the surrounding area led to the discovery of the child’s body.

Footprints allegedly belonging to the suspect were found at the crime scene.

The ZRP confirmed the case is being treated as a suspected murder under Section 47 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

While a motive has not yet been established, police officials used the incident to issue a stern warning regarding domestic violence and the sanctity of life.

"The public need to be reminded that taking someone's life is never the best solution of solving problems," Inspector Mahoko stated.

The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.