The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has condemned violence against children, warning that discipline must never turn into abuse.
The authority urged members of the public to protect children from harm and to promptly report cases of abuse before they end in tragedy.
The call follows the sentencing of 28-year-old Takudzwa Wellington Chimutso by the High Court sitting in Gweru. Chimutso, of Village Kosvoro under Chief Masunda in Zvishavane, was jailed for nine years for the death of his six-year-old niece, Praise Tsomeka. Two years of the sentence were suspended, meaning he will serve an effective seven years after being convicted of culpable homicide.
The court heard that at around 7 pm on 19 January 2026, Chimutso was trying to teach the child how to write her name. When she failed to grasp the lesson, he struck her repeatedly with mopane and muchekesani switches.
The abuse continued the next day as he again attempted to teach her vowels and how to write her name. Frustrated by her inability to understand, he retrieved a sjambok from behind a bed and assaulted her several times all over her body.
A witness tried to intervene after realising the child was being severely beaten, but Chimutso warned her not to interfere, claiming it was a matter between him and his niece. The girl suffered severe pain and struggled to breathe through the night as her condition deteriorated.
On 21 January 2026, Chimutso and the witness took the child to a shrine before eventually rushing her to Zvishavane Hospital. She was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police investigations later led to the recovery of the sjambok and wooden switches used in the assault.
Related:
Man Jailed Nine Years For Killing Niece Who Couldn’t Read And Write Her Name
Public Service Ministry Condemns Murder Of Six-Year-Old Girl In Zvishavane