News / National
Man whips stepson with bicycle chain, attempts to kill him
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A shocking case of child abuse has emerged from Juta village in Beitbridge, where a 53-year-old man and his 32-year-old wife were arrested for torturing and attempting to kill the man's 12-year-old stepson.
The couple, who cannot be named to protect the child's identity, allegedly subjected the boy to horrific abuse, including starvation, tying him to a tree, and beating him with bicycle chains, hot wires, and logs. The assaults were reportedly motivated by their expressed desire to rid their home of a boy child.
Legal Proceedings Begin
The accused appeared before Beitbridge regional magistrate Ms. Charity Maphosa on Thursday, charged with attempted murder. They were remanded in custody, and their trial is scheduled to commence on December 4.
Prosecutor Mr. Willbrought Muleya told the court that the abuse occurred in September this year. The boy lived with the accused, his biological mother, and his younger sister in Juta village under Chief Tshitaudze.
During this period, the couple reportedly tied the boy to a tree and assaulted him repeatedly, leaving him with severe injuries. They also deprived him of food and frequently expressed their disdain for having a boy child at their homestead.
Rescue and Arrest
The abuse came to light when the stepfather transported the boy, who bore fresh wounds all over his body, to his biological father in Ngundu, Masvingo province. The father immediately sought medical attention for the child at Mwenezi Hospital and reported the matter to the police.
The authorities swiftly acted on the report, leading to the arrest of the couple.
Community Outrage
The case has sparked outrage in the community, with calls for harsher penalties for child abusers. Local leaders and organizations have urged families to report any signs of abuse to prevent such incidents from escalating.
The victim is currently recovering under the care of his biological father, while the legal system prepares to hold the accused accountable for their actions.
The couple, who cannot be named to protect the child's identity, allegedly subjected the boy to horrific abuse, including starvation, tying him to a tree, and beating him with bicycle chains, hot wires, and logs. The assaults were reportedly motivated by their expressed desire to rid their home of a boy child.
Legal Proceedings Begin
The accused appeared before Beitbridge regional magistrate Ms. Charity Maphosa on Thursday, charged with attempted murder. They were remanded in custody, and their trial is scheduled to commence on December 4.
Prosecutor Mr. Willbrought Muleya told the court that the abuse occurred in September this year. The boy lived with the accused, his biological mother, and his younger sister in Juta village under Chief Tshitaudze.
During this period, the couple reportedly tied the boy to a tree and assaulted him repeatedly, leaving him with severe injuries. They also deprived him of food and frequently expressed their disdain for having a boy child at their homestead.
Rescue and Arrest
The abuse came to light when the stepfather transported the boy, who bore fresh wounds all over his body, to his biological father in Ngundu, Masvingo province. The father immediately sought medical attention for the child at Mwenezi Hospital and reported the matter to the police.
The authorities swiftly acted on the report, leading to the arrest of the couple.
Community Outrage
The case has sparked outrage in the community, with calls for harsher penalties for child abusers. Local leaders and organizations have urged families to report any signs of abuse to prevent such incidents from escalating.
The victim is currently recovering under the care of his biological father, while the legal system prepares to hold the accused accountable for their actions.
Source - the chronicle
