By James Tichaendepi
HARARE, Zimbabwe — Police have arrested a 27-year-old woman after a viral video showed an 11-year-old girl being severely beaten while her hands and legs were tied, prompting fresh outrage over the violent discipline of children in Zimbabwe.
In a statement released Saturday, the Zimbabwe Republic Police said officers had arrested Idah Mushayi, 27, the biological mother of the child, following investigations into the video.
The incident happened on 13 November at Village 28, Mount Zonzwe, Chief Marange, Odzi.
The girl was allegedly assaulted over the suspected theft of US$11.
The ZRP said the footage, which has circulated widely on social media, shows a woman repeatedly striking the child while she is restrained.
The police described it as “a disturbing video circulating online, showing a woman severely assaulting a minor whose hands and legs were tied.”
Police said Mushayi is in custody and will appear in court soon.
“We urge parents and guardians to correct and guide their children in a responsible and non-violent manner,” the statement added.
The case is not isolated.
A national survey found that around three in four boys and nearly two in three girls in Zimbabwe have experienced physical violence from a parent, caregiver or authority figure during childhood.
 In 2024, police also arrested a woman after a video emerged of her flogging her 10-month-old baby with a stick in Mutare.
Parents who spoke to Children’s Voices condemned the latest assault.
Some parents who spoke to Children’s Voices said they believe in firm discipline but felt the beating seen in the video crossed every line.
“Tying up a child and beating her like that is cruel and unacceptable,” said Tendai Moyo, a Glen View father of two.
“Yes, children can be wayward and they need discipline, but it must be in moderation and with love, not anger.”
Faith leaders echoed that message, warning that culture and religion are sometimes used to justify abuse.
Pastor Enias Dambudzo of True Gospel of God Ministries International said many Christians confuse discipline with brutality.
“The Bible allows parents to correct children, but not to the extent we saw in that video,” he said. “Discipline must guide, not destroy.”
Child-protection experts say such violence can have long-lasting effects.
Social worker Lisa William said repeated harsh beatings can normalise violence in families. “When a child is beaten like that, they learn that violence is how problems are solved,” she said.
Psychologist Ivy Mukombachoto added that the harm is not only physical.
“Excessive physical punishment can leave deep emotional scars,” she said.
“It affects a child’s self-esteem, trust and mental health long after the bruises fade.”
Police have urged communities to report suspected child abuse to the nearest station or child-protection organisation.
