A 38-year-old woman and the biological father of a teenage girl have been arrested in connection with the tragic death of 17-year-old Rumbidzai Kamupira in Nyanga, eastern Zimbabwe.

 

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrest of Maria Chibego, the victim’s stepmother, and Chakupiwa Kamupira, her biological father, for allegedly assaulting the teenager, which led to her death on 14 July 2025.

 

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), police said the assault took place after Rumbidzai failed to return home on the night of 13 July. According to the report, Chibego beat the girl using open hands and a switch before her father, Chakupiwa, joined in, also using a switch to whip her.

 

> “The victim died upon admission at a local clinic,” the statement read.

 

 

 

Rumbidzai reportedly collapsed after the beating and was rushed to the clinic, but medical personnel confirmed she was dead on arrival.

 

Police have not disclosed where the teenager had spent the night prior to the assault, and investigations into the incident are still ongoing. As of press time, neither of the accused has entered a plea.

 

The incident has sparked outrage and grief across the local community, with residents expressing deep shock and sorrow over the circumstances that led to the young girl’s death.