adminWalter Mswazie Masvingo Correspondent
A FOUR-YEAR-OLD boy died after his father tied his legs to a roof beam and viciously thrashed him with a hot iron rod on the buttocks for allegedly soiling his pants, police confirmed yesterday.Tapuwa Gwendu, 4, of Zvinowanda Village under chief Nyamande in Gutu was ruthlessly assaulted by his irate father, Francis Gwendu.
The incident happened just before midnight on Monday and the toddler died at 2AM the following day before he could be taken to hospital.
Acting Masvingo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa yesterday said Gwendu – a widower – had been arrested.
“I can confirm receiving a report to the effect that a man from Gutu killed his son for defecating in his pants. The suspect is in police custody and is assisting with investigations. He’s expected to appear in court soon on murder charges,” he said.
Chief Nyamande said Gwendu and Tapuwa were alone when the incident happened.
He said the man first hit his son with a pellet gun, but was unmoved by his subsequent screams.
“Undeterred, Gwendu took a rope and tied both of Tapuwa’s legs onto the beam of the kitchen hut. Tapuwa was hanging from the roof with his head facing downwards and Gwendu assaulted him on the buttocks, legs and hands with sticks,” said Chief Nyamande.
He said Tapuwa continued screaming but that did not stop Gwendu who used a hot rod to further thrash him.
“Tapuwa sustained burns and bruises on the left thigh and buttocks,” said Chief Nyamande.
He said when Gwendu realised that his son was in a serious condition, he rushed to inform his nephew with the intention of taking his son to hospital but Tapuwa was already dead when he returned.
Gwendu then untied the body from the kitchen roof.
A police report was made leading to Gwendu’s arrest.
Asst Insp Dehwa said the Tapuwa’s body was taken to Gutu District Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter