By Patience Gondo
AN eight-year-old boy from Headlands narrowly escaped a kidnapping attempt after bravely screaming for help while in the hands of an attacker.
His screams prompted a nearby woman to intervene and save the brave boy.
In a statement on Tuesday National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said , the incident occurred on October 11 2025 in Village 2, Nyamukamani Chiendambuya, as the child was walking home with a friend.
It was during this short journey that Ernest Kapfurutsa (25), a gardener from Wensleydale, allegedly intercepted the two minors.
Prosecutors told the Rusape Magistrates’ Court that Kapfurutsa first tried to grab the friend’s hand but failed. He then seized the complainant’s arm and began dragging the terrified boy towards the Nyagadzi River, with the apparent intention of depriving him of his freedom of movement.
The child fought to break free but could not overpower the adult. As the pair passed Nyamukamani Gardens, the boy mustered the courage to scream for help.
A woman tending her garden heard the commotion and rushed to investigate, prompting Kamupfurutsa to release the child and flee.
The matter was quickly reported to the police, leading to Kapfurutsa’s arrest.
He was convicted and sentenced to an effective 12 months in prison for kidnapping a minor.
The NPAZ said parents and guardians should caution children about walking alone and to encourage them to seek help immediately if approached by strangers.