Harare is reeling after a video depicting the brutal assault of a 10-year-old boy by his father, a former policeman, went viral over the weekend.
The disturbing footage, showing the child being beaten with an electric cable, bricks, and wire, sparked swift action from authorities and widespread public outrage. The perpetrator, identified as 39-year-old Noel Muzenda of Eastview suburb, was arrested on October 7th.
Muzenda, who served at the ZRP Mkushi Training Depot before being discharged in December 2016 following a conviction for causing a road traffic accident while driving without a licence, is accused of viciously assaulting his son for returning home late from a trip to the tuckshop to buy tomatoes.
The boy’s mother, Ms Sarah Mafara (36), was away at a church conference in Hwedza at the time of the incident. “I was not at home when the incident occurred. He had never been this angry before,” she recounted yesterday.
The assault, witnessed by neighbours who filmed the incident, left the boy with a swollen cheek, bruises on his back and right foot, and pain in his right ankle.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed Muzenda’s arrest and expressed gratitude for the public’s assistance in bringing the abuser to justice.
“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,” Commissioner Nyathi stated.
Commissioner Nyathi detailed the events leading to the assault.
“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,” he added.
Following the incident, the Department of Child Social Services immediately intervened, removing the victim and his three siblings from the abusive home environment. The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare issued a statement outlining their response.
“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 with 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 strongly condemned Muzenda’s actions and urged the public to report all cases of child abuse.
“The Ministry condemns violent methods of disciplining children and urges families and communities to promote positive discipline methods that do 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,” the statement concluded.
The case has ignited a national conversation about child protection and the need for stronger measures to prevent and address child abuse. The swift response from authorities and the public outcry demonstrate a growing awareness of the issue and a determination to protect vulnerable children.
Meanwhile, the 10-year-old boy and neighbours have spoken out, revealing chilling details that had gone unreported for too long:
