Online Reporter
Takudzwa Karowangoro
A 34-YEAR-OLD man from Chezheu Village, Dete, has been sentenced to nine months in prison by the Hwange Magistrates’ Court for endangering the lives of his two young sons, aged 13 and 8, in two separate incidents earlier this year.
According to a statement issued by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), on February 1, 2024, the father attempted to hang his sons using wires tied to the roof of his house. Both children escaped unharmed and ran to their great-grandmother’s home.
The court also heard that the second incident occurred in August when the father tied one child’s hands and legs, threatened to kill him with a knife, and struck the other child with a log. Both children again managed to escape safely.
“The offender pleaded not guilty but was found guilty on all four counts of ill-treating a child. He was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, with 6 months suspended, resulting in an effective 9-month jail term,” the NPA said.
“Any act that endangers a child’s life is a serious crime. Parents and guardians must ensure children’s safety at all times. Communities must report abuse immediately to protect minors and bring offenders to justice.”
