Toddler Dies In Zumbani Steaming Incident

A two-year-old boy has died in Beatrice after suffering severe burns in a household accident, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed.

The incident occurred on 15 August 2025 at Fresney Farm, where the child and his mother were steaming under a blanket using hot water mixed with zumbani.

During the process, the toddler accidentally touched a plastic dish containing hot water, which spilt onto him.

He sustained serious burns to his right side and neck. Family members rushed him to Beatrice Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival. Police said:

“The ZRP reports a sad incident which occurred at Fresney Farm, Beatrice on 15/08/25, where a two-year-old male infant died after suffering burns from hot water.

“The incident happened while the victim and his mother were under a steaming blanket with hot water and zumbani.

“The child accidentally handled a plastic dish containing hot water, which spilled onto him, causing burns on his right side and neck.

“He was rushed to Beatrice Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.”

Zumbani, scientifically known as Lippia javanica, is a woody shrub native to Southern Africa.

It is also commonly known as “Fever Tea Tree” or “Lemon Bush” due to the strong, lemon-like scent of its crushed leaves.

It is widely used in traditional medicine to treat symptoms of colds, flu, and other respiratory ailments, including coughs, sore throats, fevers, and headaches.

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