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Crime Reporter

A Masvingo man, who allegedly killed a two-year-old boy before mutilating the body for suspected ritual purposes, has been arrested.

Darlington Magomana (39), allegedly then hid some body parts under a boulder near Mucheke River.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the incident occurred last Wednesday around 1800hours.

“On the said date and time, the accused person took the two-year-old boy from home on the pretext that they wanted to visit a neighbour,” he said. “The accused did not return, prompting the mother and some relatives to look for the two.”  Magomana was located at Sisk Business Centre around midnight and upon questioning by the police, he admitted to killing the boy using a sharp object.

“He also cut off the child’s palms and wrapped them with clothes before placing them under a big stone near Mucheke River,” Asst Comm Nyathi said. Police, Asst Comm Nyathi said, were still investigating the case.

Asst Comm Nyathi urged parents to always monitor their children and avoid leaving them unattended.

“Police would like to warn those involved in ritual killings that the long arm of the law will always catch up with them,” Asst Comm Nyathi said.

Meanwhile, police in Chinhoyi are investigating a case in which a body of an unidentified woman was discovered in a shallow pit.

The body was partially naked and had the right eye missing.