By James Tichaendepi
The Hwange Magistrates’ Court jailed a 34-year-old father from Chezhow Village, Dete, to nine months for life-threatening child abuse in Zimbabwe, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) said Friday.
The court convicted him on four counts of ill-treating a child after two violent incidents against his sons, ages 13 and 8.
The Court heard that on February 7 last year, he tried to hang both boys using wires tied to his roof.
Fortunately, they escaped and ran to their great-grandmother’s home.
However, last month, he tied one of his son’s hands and legs, threatened him with a knife, and struck the other with a log.
Both managed to escape with injuries.
“He was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, with 6 months suspended, resulting in an effective 9-month jail term,” the NPAZ said in a statement.
“Any act that endangers a child’s life is a serious crime… Communities must report abuse immediately to protect minors.”
Authorities and rights groups continue to flag high levels of violence against children. UNICEF reports child protection remains a critical priority in Zimbabwe, with poverty, harmful norms and crises straining services.
A Zimbabwe Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) report shows widespread exposure to physical, sexual and emotional violence, underscoring the need for rapid reporting and survivor support.
Police this year also warned about a rise in sexual abuse of minors and urged families to report cases promptly.
Recent crime statistics show thousands of sexual-offence reports in the first quarter of 2025, highlighting sustained risk to children.
The NPAZ urges parents, guardians, teachers and neighbours to report suspected child abuse immediately to the police or social services to protect children and bring offenders to justice.
