A nurse at Nyamazira Clinic in Makoni North is facing allegations of assault after allegedly slapping a heavily pregnant woman and kicking her in the abdomen following a dispute over buckets at the clinic’s water tap.
The nurse-in-charge at the clinic, Shingirai Nyongolo, admitted slapping the woman, Chipo Gavi-Tsiga, who was nine months pregnant at the time, but denies kicking her in the abdomen as alleged.
The incident reportedly occurred on 13 July, three days before Gavi-Tsiga gave birth.
Gavi-Tsiga told The Manica Post that the altercation erupted when she and other expectant mothers took buckets they use in the maternity waiting shelter to the clinic tap for cleaning.
“We had gone to fetch water and found him at the tap. He complained that we were bringing urinary buckets to the tap,” she said.
“We explained that we were not using the buckets to relieve ourselves because of our condition, but he insisted that they were dirty.”
“He continued scolding us, and I told him he was being too talkative. He then became angry, kicked me in the stomach and slapped me on my right eye.
“My eye became swollen, and I have been experiencing back pains since then.”
She said she made a report at Mayo Police Station, where she was advised to obtain a medical report first before a docket could be opened.
“I was assaulted on July 13 and gave birth on July 16. Since then, he has visited our home several times seeking forgiveness.
“He initially offered me US$25 and later increased the amount to US$150, but I have not accepted because I am still in pain.”
The new mother said she has not yet been medically examined for her injuries due to financial constraints and her condition after giving birth.
While admitting to slapping Gavi-Tsiga, Nyongolo denied kicking her in the abdomen.
“I advised the pregnant women not to wash the buckets they use at the tap because it is the only water point we have. I told them to fetch clean water first and wash the dirty buckets elsewhere,” he said.
“I was watering my garden when one of them remarked that I should also avoid bringing muddy buckets to the same tap.
“The woman then insulted me, saying she would look for the person who had knocked out my teeth and have my remaining tooth removed. I was deeply offended, and I slapped her.”
He said he later visited her family to apologise and, according to him, the apology was accepted, but they still want the matter to proceed through the police.
Gavi-Tsiga’s husband, Trymore Tsiga, said he was shocked by the incident, particularly as it involved a healthcare professional.
He said his wife sustained visible injuries as a result of the incident.
“When she was assaulted, her eye was swollen, and she could barely see. We decided to wait until she delivered before pursuing the matter further,” said Tsiga.
“The police have requested a medical report from Rusape General Hospital, but we currently do not have the money for transport, and she is not yet fit to travel. Her eye remains painful, red and swollen”.
When contacted for comment, Makoni District Medical Officer Tendai Nyafesa said he had not yet been briefed on the matter.
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