Police have apprehended a 30-year-old woman from Temberere Village, Zimunya, Mutare, for allegedly assaulting her 10-month-old daughter with a large stick while forcing the child to crawl. The arrest followed the circulation of a shocking video on social media, which captured the violent act.
In an official statement, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed the arrest, stating:
*”The ZRP confirms the arrest of a 30-year-old woman for allegedly assaulting her baby girl (10 months) with a stick at Temberere Village, Zimunya, Mutare on 11th October 2024.”*
The disturbing footage shows the woman harshly attacking the baby, demanding silence, and attempting to make the infant crawl.
Social media users reacted strongly to the video. One user on X (formerly Twitter), Rickred07, suggested the woman’s actions reflected deeper emotional struggles. He commented:
*”Her actions reflect a displacement of hatred. She harbours unresolved issues with her husband and is redirecting that anger toward the baby. In some tragic instances, individuals facing similar stress may resort to suicide, sometimes forcing their children to consume poison.”*
He further highlighted the growing impact of socioeconomic pressures on people’s behavior:
*”Our society is in need of healing. If you follow the ZRP’s updates, you’ll see a troubling rise in cases of baby dumping, domestic violence, and misfortunes being blamed on witchcraft.”*
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Meanwhile, in a separate case, Tinotenda Kutsanza (24) from Chigura Village, Nyanga, appeared before the Nyanga Magistrates’ Court on assault charges.
Court records show that on August 2, 2023, Kutsanza attacked a woman in her kitchen, pouring boiling water on her right hand and breast. As the victim tried to escape, Kutsanza caught her and continued the assault, using clenched fists and booted feet. An eyewitness eventually stepped in and stopped him.
Kutsanza was sentenced to nine months in prison, with three months suspended for five years, leaving him to serve six months. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) withheld the identity of the victim and did not disclose the motive behind the attack.