News / National
Man whips tied-up stepson with bicycle chain, attempts to kill him
30 Nov 2024 at 12:52hrs | Views
A 53-year-old man and his 32-year-old wife from Juta village, Beitbridge, have been arrested on charges of torturing and attempting to kill the woman's 12-year-old son in a shocking case of child abuse.
The couple allegedly subjected the boy to severe physical abuse, tying him to a tree and assaulting him with bicycle chains, hot wires, and logs. They also reportedly starved the child, expressing their desire to have no boy children at their homestead.
Arrest and Charges
The duo, whose names have been withheld to protect the identity of the child, appeared before Beitbridge Regional Magistrate Ms. Charity Maphosa on charges of attempted murder. They were remanded in custody and will stand trial on December 4.
Details of Abuse
Prosecutor Mr. Willbrought Muleya revealed that the abuse occurred in September this year in Juta village under Chief Tshitaudze. The boy, who lived with the accused, his younger sister, and his stepfather, endured repeated assaults over several days.
According to the prosecution, the couple would tie the boy to a tree with a rope and beat him with various objects, including a bicycle chain and hot wires. They also deprived him of food while verbally abusing him.
The abuse left the boy with severe wounds across his body.
Reporting the Incident
In late September, the man reportedly transported the injured child to his biological father's home in Ngundu, Masvingo province. Upon seeing the child's condition, his father rushed him to Mwenezi Hospital for medical treatment and reported the matter to the police.
Law enforcement quickly acted, leading to the couple's arrest.
Trial Awaited
The case has sparked outrage in the local community, with calls for justice and heightened awareness of child protection issues. The trial, scheduled for December 4, will shed light on the full extent of the couple's actions and determine their fate.
Child Abuse Concerns
Cases of child abuse remain a significant concern in Zimbabwe, with authorities urging communities to report such incidents promptly. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen child welfare systems and ensure the safety and rights of vulnerable children.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the need for vigilance and collective responsibility in protecting children from harm.
The couple allegedly subjected the boy to severe physical abuse, tying him to a tree and assaulting him with bicycle chains, hot wires, and logs. They also reportedly starved the child, expressing their desire to have no boy children at their homestead.
Arrest and Charges
The duo, whose names have been withheld to protect the identity of the child, appeared before Beitbridge Regional Magistrate Ms. Charity Maphosa on charges of attempted murder. They were remanded in custody and will stand trial on December 4.
Details of Abuse
Prosecutor Mr. Willbrought Muleya revealed that the abuse occurred in September this year in Juta village under Chief Tshitaudze. The boy, who lived with the accused, his younger sister, and his stepfather, endured repeated assaults over several days.
According to the prosecution, the couple would tie the boy to a tree with a rope and beat him with various objects, including a bicycle chain and hot wires. They also deprived him of food while verbally abusing him.
The abuse left the boy with severe wounds across his body.
In late September, the man reportedly transported the injured child to his biological father's home in Ngundu, Masvingo province. Upon seeing the child's condition, his father rushed him to Mwenezi Hospital for medical treatment and reported the matter to the police.
Law enforcement quickly acted, leading to the couple's arrest.
Trial Awaited
The case has sparked outrage in the local community, with calls for justice and heightened awareness of child protection issues. The trial, scheduled for December 4, will shed light on the full extent of the couple's actions and determine their fate.
Child Abuse Concerns
Cases of child abuse remain a significant concern in Zimbabwe, with authorities urging communities to report such incidents promptly. Efforts are ongoing to strengthen child welfare systems and ensure the safety and rights of vulnerable children.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the need for vigilance and collective responsibility in protecting children from harm.
Source - the chronicle
