6-year-old twin boys hospitalised after 'discipline' by father

Six-year-old twin brothers from Chivhu are recovering at Chitungwiza Central Hospital after allegedly being severely abused by their biological father in an incident that has shocked the local community.

The boys reportedly sustained serious injuries, including third-degree burns and fractured legs, after being punished for allegedly stealing sugar.

Their mother, Rebecca Pfukamayi, said she was alerted by police and instructed to collect the children and seek urgent medical care.

"I was contacted by the police and told to come and take my children to the hospital," she said, adding that she had previously been living with the boys following her separation from their father.

Pfukamayi explained that the children had only recently moved in with their father in December last year after he requested to take responsibility for their schooling. However, she later discovered they had not been attending school since January.

According to Pfukamayi, the twins endured ongoing abuse and neglect during their stay.

"They were beaten and tortured after being accused of stealing sugar," she said. "They were also severely malnourished and sometimes slept outside."

She further alleged that neither the father nor the stepmother sought medical help after the assault, with neighbours eventually intervening and alerting authorities.

The children's father has since appeared before the Chivhu Magistrates' Court, where he was remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings.

Authorities have not yet released additional details, but the case has raised renewed concern over child protection and abuse, with calls for stronger community vigilance and reporting mechanisms.

The twins remain under medical care as they continue their recovery.