Nurse Accused of Assaulting Nine-Month Pregnant Woman at Makoni Clinic

By Southerton Business Times Reporter | Makoni, Manicaland

A nurse at Nyamazira Clinic in Makoni North, Manicaland, is facing allegations of assault after he allegedly slapped a heavily pregnant woman and kicked her in the abdomen during an altercation over the use of buckets at the clinic's only water tap.

The accused, Shingirai Nyongolo, the nurse-in-charge at the clinic, admitted slapping Chipo Gavi-Tsiga, who was nine months pregnant at the time, but denied allegations that he kicked her in the stomach. The incident allegedly occurred on 13 July 2026, just three days before Gavi-Tsiga gave birth.

Speaking about the incident, Gavi-Tsiga said the confrontation began when she and other expectant mothers took buckets used in the maternity waiting shelter to the clinic tap to clean them.

"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."

According to Gavi-Tsiga, the disagreement escalated after she challenged the nurse's remarks.

"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."

She said the alleged assault left her with a swollen eye and persistent back pain.

Gavi-Tsiga said she reported the matter at Mayo Police Station, where she was advised to first obtain a medical report before a criminal docket could be opened. She said financial difficulties and her recovery following childbirth had prevented her from travelling for a medical examination.

"I was assaulted on July 13 and gave birth on July 16. Since then, he has visited our home several times seeking forgiveness," she said.

"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."

Nyongolo acknowledged slapping Gavi-Tsiga but denied kicking her in the abdomen. He said he had instructed expectant mothers not to wash buckets at the clinic's only water source because of hygiene concerns.

"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.

According to Nyongolo, the situation escalated after Gavi-Tsiga allegedly insulted him.

"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 the family to apologise and believed his apology had been accepted, although the family still wanted the matter handled by the police.

Gavi-Tsiga's husband, Trymore Tsiga, said the family was shocked that a healthcare worker was allegedly involved in assaulting a heavily pregnant woman.

"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," he said.

"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 Dr Tendai Nyafesa said he had not yet been briefed on the allegations. The matter has not yet been brought before the courts. The allegations against Nyongolo remain under police consideration, and no criminal charges have been announced.

Makoni nurse assault pregnant woman