Mother arrested over brutal assault

Police have confirmed the arrest of a Marange woman whose brutal assault on her 11-year-old daughter was captured on video and widely circulated on social media.

The woman, identified as 27-year-old Idah Mushayi of Village 28, Mount Zonwe under Chief Marange, allegedly used a cow-hide neck strap, known locally as a chitirobho, to repeatedly strike her child. At one point, the footage shows her sitting on the girl's head while continuing the assault. The child's hands and legs were tied during the beating.

The video sparked widespread outrage, with communities both online and offline demanding swift action and accountability. Calls for Mushayi's arrest intensified as the footage continued to circulate.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is treating the case with utmost seriousness and reiterated that violence against children is a criminal offence.

"Following investigations, the Zimbabwe Republic Police has arrested the suspect, Idah Mushayi, who is the biological mother of the child. The incident occurred on 13 November 2025 at Village 28, Mount Zonwe, Chief Marange, Odzi. The victim, an 11-year-old girl, was reportedly assaulted by the suspect over the alleged theft of US$11," Commissioner Nyathi confirmed.

He urged parents and guardians to discipline children in lawful, non-violent ways, emphasizing that abuse carries criminal consequences. Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and further updates will be provided by authorities.