Police hunt for woman on the run since December over baby’s murder
HARARE – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is appealing to the public for assistance in locating Ireen Pamela Govati, who has been on the run since December following the brutal murder of her newborn baby in Hopley Zone 6, Waterfalls, Harare.
According to police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Govati is wanted in connection with the harrowing incident that took place on December 8, 2024. Authorities allege that after giving birth to a baby boy, Govati concealed the newborn in a 20-litre plastic bucket, which she placed under her bed. The horrifying discovery was made when her 12-year-old daughter and niece heard the baby crying and found him inside the bucket.
Reports indicate that Govati then took the newborn to her tenant, Rejoice Mapfumo, who allegedly grabbed the infant by the legs and violently hurled him twice onto the ground, killing him instantly. The two women are said to have later buried the baby’s body in a shallow grave.
The gruesome act was exposed when the children reported the matter to the police on the same day. Law enforcement officers retrieved the infant’s remains and arrested Mapfumo. However, Govati managed to flee and has been at large ever since.
The ZRP is now intensifying efforts to track down Govati and is urging anyone with information on her whereabouts to come forward. Citizens are encouraged to contact the National Complaints Desk at (0242) 703631, send a WhatsApp message to 0712800197, or report to the nearest police station.
“We appeal to members of the public to assist with any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
