The 10-year-old boy from Eastview, Harare, whose father was caught on video assaulting him with bricks and a wire, has pleaded with the court to avoid jailing his father.
This follows after the ex-police officer, Knowell Muzenda, 39, pleaded guilty to ill treatment of a minor when he appeared before Harare magistrate, Ayanda Dhlamini, who remanded him in custody to Friday for sentencing.
In mitigation, Muzenda’s lawyer, Mr. Lucky Mauwa from Mauwa And Associates Legal Practioners presented the complainant as a witness. The boy said he had forgiven his father and pleaded with the court to avoid imprisonment, citing his father as the primary source of his school fees.
Also Read: ZRP Set To Name And Shame 1000 Suspected Gay Individuals Following Exposure
Mr. Mauwa submitted that the accused is a first offender, who pleaded guilty to the charges and did not waste the court’s time hence he must be given a non-custodial sentence.
He also said in cases involving minor children, the court must prioritize the child’s well-being.
Mr Mauwa further submitted that Muzenda is willing to go for Positive Parenting Session for him to reform.
According to State papers, on October 6, in Eastview, Harare, Muzenda sent his son to buy spaghetti at a nearby tuckshop.
The boy returned later than expected.
Also Read: WATCH : Zimbabwean Criminals In Trouble After An Attempted Robbery Using Toy Gun
This did not go down well with Muzenda who then assaulted him with a black rubber rope, a wire, and bricks.
The boy sustained a swollen left cheek, bruises on the back, a swollen right leg and pain all over his body.
