{"id":116433,"date":"2026-04-12T22:25:21","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T20:25:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/zimbabwe\/all-news\/parents-warned-against-excessive-force-in-child-discipline"},"modified":"2026-04-13T00:38:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T22:38:46","slug":"parents-warned-against-excessive-force-in-child-discipline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/zimbabwe\/all-news\/parents-warned-against-excessive-force-in-child-discipline","title":{"rendered":"Parents Warned Against Excessive Force In Child Discipline"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. <\/strong><\/span>Social workers have urged parents and guardians to exercise restraint when disciplining children.<\/p>\n

The call follows reports that six-year-old twin brothers from Chivhu were allegedly physically abused by their biological father for stealing sugar.<\/p>\n

The boys sustained severe injuries, including third-degree burns and fractured legs, and are currently receiving treatment at Chitungwiza Central Hospital.<\/p>\n

A social worker at the hospital, Rutendo Chinhoyi, warned that excessive force in disciplining children can leave them with permanent injuries and trauma.<\/p>\n

She further urged community members to report any form of abuse to the police to ensure children grow up in safe environments.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a very sad incident. We urge parents to be mindful of how they discipline their children so that they do not end up with permanent injuries and trauma,\u201d said Chinhoyi.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe understand children are sometimes mischievous; it is a common trait as they grow up, and this does not call for unnecessary punishment.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe also urge parents and caregivers to seek counselling in the event of serious mental health issues so that children do not suffer the consequences of their actions.<\/p>\n

\u201cCommunity members or neighbours should report any form of abuse to the police to ensure children live in safe spaces.\u201d<\/p>\n

The abuse of the twin boys came to light after neighbours alerted the police. The children were found emaciated, severely malnourished, and at times forced to sleep outdoors.<\/p>\n

At the time of the abuse, they were living with their father and stepmother.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the twins\u2019 father has appeared before the Chivhu Magistrates\u2019 Court and has been remanded in custody.<\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About Zimbabwe<\/span> Follow Africa-Press<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. Social workers have urged parents and guardians to exercise restraint when disciplining children. The call follows reports that six-year-old twin brothers from Chivhu were allegedly physically abused by their biological father for stealing sugar. The boys sustained severe injuries, including third-degree burns and fractured legs, and are currently receiving treatment at Chitungwiza […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":116432,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,4],"tags":[19],"class_list":["post-116433","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-community","tag-zimbabwe"],"yoast_head":"\nParents Warned Against Excessive Force In Child Discipline - zimbabwe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Social workers have urged parents and guardians to exercise restraint when disciplining children. 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