By Ziyah News Court Reporter
Mutare — A 30-year-old woman from the Chief Zimunya area has pleaded insanity after brutally assaulting her 11-month-old baby with a stick, ordering her to crawl. The incident, which she recorded and sent to the child’s father, has sparked outrage and led to her conviction under the Children’s Protection and Adoption Act by the Mutare Magistrates’ Court.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), the accused was at her employer’s homestead when she laid her baby on the floor facing downwards and began the assault.
She repeatedly struck the child with a stick while demanding that she crawl. The disturbing video of the incident went viral on social media, prompting police intervention.
During her court appearance, the woman pleaded guilty but claimed to suffer from an undisclosed mental disorder during mitigation.
As a result, she was remanded in custody until October 30, 2024, pending a mental health examination by two doctors in accordance with the Mental Health Act.
The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support and child protection measures in the community.