Man hangs, kills 4-yr-old son for soiling his underpants

A man from Chief Nyamande's area in Gutu has allegedly killed his four-year- old son by hanging him from a beam in the kitchen and then burning him with a red hot iron rod.

The boy was hanged by his feet with his head upside down.

Police spokesperson Assistant Inspector, Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed to the chilling incident Masvingo Mirror.

Francis Gwendu (27) has since been arrested.

Gwendu was allegedly punishing his son Tapinda Gwendu for soiling his underpants.

Police said Gwendu took a rope and tied his son's legs before hanging him from a beam in the roof of the kitchen. He took an air pellet gun and struck his son on the buttocks and thighs several times.

The publication said he also struck him with a stick before allegedly pulling out a red hot iron rod from the fire and burned his son with it on the buttocks and left thigh.

Gwendu was alone with his son in the kitchen as his wife was away.

He is said to have realised that his son's health was deteriorating after two days and he informed his neighbour Kumbirai Chagonda (34) of the incident.

Chagonda accompanied Gwendu to his homestead so that they would take the son to Gutu Mission Hospital but they found Tapinda dead when they arrived.

A report was made at Gutu Police Station and Gwedu is expected to appear in court soon