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Crime Reporter
A FORMER policeman has lost custody of his four children and has been arrested for child abuse after a video showing him assaulting his juvenile son with an electric cable and bricks went viral on social media over the weekend.
Soon after the video clip emerged, the Government moved in swiftly to provide the 10-year-old assault victim and his three siblings with a safe place to stay pending the provision of survivor-centred therapeutic services to ensure restoration of his physical and emotional well-being.
Noel Muzenda (39) of Eastview suburb was attached to ZRP Mkushi Training Depot to the northeast of the Avenues area of Harare, but was discharged from the police force in December 2016 after being convicted of causing a road traffic accident while driving without a licence.
He is accused of severely assaulting his son for coming back home late after being sent to buy tomatoes.
The boy’s mother, Ms Sarah Mafara (36), had gone for a church conference in Hwedza when the assault occurred.
“I was not at home when the incident occurred. He had never been this angry before,” she said yesterday.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed Muzenda’s arrest.
“The ZRP takes note of a viral video circulating on social media platforms in which a man is seen brutally assaulting a male juvenile. The ZRP confirms that Noel Muzenda aged 39 was arrested on October 7 in Eastview, Harare, in connection with the case.
“The police would like to thank the public for providing useful information,” he said.
It is said Muzenda sent his son to a tuckshop to buy tomatoes, but the boy did not return on time prompting the father to make a follow up. Muzenda found his son playing with other children and this angered him.
He started assaulting his son with an electric cable, bricks and a piece of wire.
“This did not go down well with neighbours who took a video of the assault which later went viral on social media. The victim sustained a swollen cheek, bruises on the back and on the right foot. He is complaining of pain on the right ankle. No serious external injuries were observed,” Comm Nyathi said.
The Department of Child Social Services immediately offered to take the victim and Muzenda’s other three children to a safer place following the incident.
In a statement, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare said: “Reference is made to a video clip that was circulated on various social media platforms depicting a male adult recorded while physically assaulting a child with various objects.
“The Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare, working the Zimbabwe Republic Police, took immediate action and jointly intervened on the case. Resultantly, the child was immediately rescued from the abusive home environment to a place of safety in terms of Section 14 of the Children’s Act.
“Upon removal, the child was assisted to access a compressive package of survivor-centred therapeutic services to ensure restoration of his physical, psychological, and social functioning.”
The Ministry condemned violent methods of disciplining children and urged families and communities to promote positive discipline methods that did not cause physical, emotional, and psychological harm to children.
“Further, communities are urged to report all cases of child abuse to the Department of Social Development, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and community child care workers who are in every community.
“Additionally, confidential reporting can be made through the toll-free numbers 0714647002, …575 and …116.”
Online Reporter