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Sharon Buwerimwe, Court Reporter
A BULAWAYO couple has been arrested for allegedly ill-treating their four-year-old son by beating him every day, denying him food and making him wash his own clothes.
The couple from Old Lobengula suburb, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the child, allegedly abused the toddler by whipping him with a leather belt whenever he soiled himself and fed him once a day.
It is alleged the biological mother of the child died a year ago and the man married another woman who said she only followed his instructions on how to treat the minor.
The duo appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Ms Tancy Dube facing ill-treating or neglecting a child or any young person charge and was remanded in custody to October 28 for commencement of trial.
For the State, Mr Chief Muteve said the couple allegedly took turns to assault the boy.
“On the unknown date of October, the accused persons assaulted the complainant with a leather belt several times accusing him of messing himself. The complainant was rescued by neighbours after they heard him screaming,” he said.
“Accused persons also ill-treated the child by denying him clothing, shelter, medical attention and care necessary for his health or wellbeing.
“The accused persons sometimes left the child alone locked in a room with no food.”
Mr Muteve said neighbours witnessed the abuse and reported the matter to the police leading to the couple’s arrest. —@sharonbuwe.
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