A former police officer, Knowell Muzenda, awaits sentencing today after being convicted of brutally assaulting his son.
Muzenda appeared in court today for sentencing, represented by his lawyer, who argued for a non-custodial sentence. The lawyer stressed that Muzenda is the family’s breadwinner and that his children would suffer if he were imprisoned.
In a plea for leniency, Muzenda’s wife, Sara Mafara, took the stand. “We stay well with our children and this is the first time he has severely assaulted our son like this,” she testified.
She attributed the incident to alcohol consumption, stating, “I believe this incident was triggered by the alcohol he had been drinking.”
Mafara further emphasised Muzenda’s remorse and the family’s willingness to seek help: “He has apologised to me and the kids and may the court be lenient with him so that he can take care of the family, we are willing to go for positive parenting sessions to allow us to take good care of our children.”
The State, however, argued for a custodial sentence, highlighting the severity of the crime and the trauma inflicted on the child. They pointed out that the boy’s forgiveness should not be considered a mitigating factor, as he likely fears losing his caregiver.
“It has been established that he is a habitual perpetrator of physical abuse on his child and on this day the boy was lucky that someone recorded this incident and shared it on social media,” the prosecution argued.
They further emphasised the dangerous nature of the weapons used and the excessive force employed.
“The probation officer assessed that the child was traumatised and the fact that he has forgiven his father is neither here nor there, he’s just worried that he won’t have anyone to take care of him. The weapons used in assaulting the child are dangerous, the father used a black rubber rope, a wire and a brick,” the prosecution added.
The state argued that a fine would trivialise the offence and urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence.
“He ought to have protected his child but he subjected him to trauma and abuse. He’s the father and he ought to have used moderate means to reprimand the child and the State is of the view that a fine would trivialise the offence and the State prays that a deterrent sentence be imposed,” they concluded.
The boy sustained significant injuries, including a swollen left cheek, bruises on his back, a swollen right leg, and pain throughout his body.
Magistrate Ayanda Dhlamini is expected to deliver her ruling today. The case has sparked public outrage and raised concerns about child abuse within the community. The court’s decision is eagerly awaited and will send a strong message about the consequences of such violent acts against children.
