Teen Girl in Mabvuku Eats Her Own Faeces Due to Hunger, Disability, Mother Appeals for Support

A 19-year-old girl from Mabvuku, Harare, born with severe physical and mental disabilities, has developed a heartbreaking habit of eating her own faeces when left alone at home.

Her mother believes the behaviour is driven by hunger, neglect, and years of living in extreme poverty.

Angeline Mukodzeri (38), the girl’s mother, said the condition has persisted for years and worsened after the child’s biological father, Norest Mazinyani, abandoned the family.

“This child is one of my two children from my first marriage. Their father left us because of this condition.

“We later separated, and I remarried. I am grateful that my current husband accepted me and my children, including the one who is sick,” she explained.

Mukodzeri described her daughter as unable to speak or walk properly, requiring constant supervision.

She used to take her to hospital for check-ups, but those visits stopped due to financial challenges.

“I survive by begging and doing odd jobs. Sometimes I place her in a wheelchair and ask passing motorists for help,” she noted.

To keep her daughter safe while she works, Mukodzeri often locks her inside the house.

However, the girl, left unattended, defecates and consumes her own waste.

“I do not know if it is hunger or something else. Getting food regularly is a struggle.

“Sometimes I come back and find she has eaten her own faeces. It breaks my heart,” she admitted.

She also revealed that she suffers from back pain due to lifting and pushing her daughter daily.

Mukodzeri appealed for help with food, clothing, soap, nappies, and school fees for her younger daughter, who is 16.

“She needs medication, but I cannot afford it,” she added.

According to Kwayedza, Mukodzeri’s current husband, Pardon Arufeya (38), and his mother, Mbuya Mary Arufeyo (72), have accepted the children and are doing their best to support the family.

“It is true the child eats her own waste when locked inside. We do not know if it is hunger or a deeper condition,” said Mbuya Arufeyo.

The teenager once attended school through donor support, but dropped out after fees became unaffordable.

Those willing to assist the family can contact them on 0777 060 680 or 0782 895 574.