An unrepentant uncle fatally scalds his niece after serving time for her attempted murder. Six-year-old Michelle Magwera succumbed to injuries caused by a horrific act of violence.
On November 27, Michelle was allegedly doused with boiling water by her uncle, Phibeon Siduna, in what family members believe was a deliberate attack. The young girl passed away the following day at Birchenough Bridge Hospital, leaving behind a community grappling with grief and outrage.
His criminal record includes a fatal 2017 incident where he killed his father by throwing a stone. Despite his dangerous history, Siduna was released in April 2024, reportedly due to mental health considerations, only to return and allegedly cause further harm.
Conflicting Accounts of the Tragic Event
According to police reports, the incident occurred while Michelle was at home with her grandmother, Miriam Chihwite, and Siduna. Siduna allegedly emerged from the kitchen carrying a bucket of hot water, which accidentally spilt on Michelle during a collision.
However, grieving relatives fiercely dispute this version of events, claiming it downplays the deliberate nature of the attack. Michelle’s 12-year-old brother witnessed the incident and provided a harrowing account. He alleges that Siduna intentionally poured the boiling water on Michelle, causing her to scream in agony. Despite his efforts to rescue his sister, Siduna blocked their escape, standing menacingly over them.
Outrage Over Systemic Failures
The family is devastated and angry, blaming both the justice system and Michelle’s grandmother for failing to protect the young girl. Siduna’s history of violence, including his father’s murder and previous attempts on Michelle’s life, has left many questioning why he was allowed to reintegrate into the family.
“This isn’t the first time he’s committed such acts,” lamented Chihwite, the grandmother. “He killed his father in 2017 and was released after being deemed mentally ill. He tried to kill Michelle in 2022, and now this.”
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Mother’s Anguish and Call for Justice
Michelle’s mother, Sarah Siduna, who was in South Africa at the time of the incident, expressed her frustration with both law enforcement and her own family. She accused her mother of protecting Phibeon and criticized authorities for their lack of urgency in apprehending him.
“How many lives does he have to destroy before something is done? He killed my father and now my daughter, yet the police have been slow to act. Even my son witnessed what happened, but they chose to believe my mother instead.”
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The post Uncle Fatally Scalds Niece After Serving Jail Time For Her Attempted Murder appeared first on iHarare News.
