By Evans Dakwa, News Editor
Harare– This past weekend, social media in the country was set ablaze by a video of an abusive father ruthlessly assaulting a child with logs, bricks and anything he could set his hands on.
Immediate action in response to the video by responsible authorities, the Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare working the Zimbabwe Republic Police has resulted in the perpetrator being apprehended and the rescuing of the victim.
The development has been confirmed by the Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare as it updated the nation on the case that has brought light on the abuse of children by their guardians.
In the update, the Ministry said in reference to the case, “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 (Chapter 5:06). 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.”
“On the other hand, the perpetrator, who happens to be the child’s putative father, has been arrested by the police henceforth, the law will take its course.”
The Ministry responsible For Social Welfare urged parents and guardians to promote positive discipline methods which do not affect the children.
“The Ministry bemoans 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.”
As these kind of cases continue to pop up here there, the Ministry called on Zimbabweans to report cases of abuse to the Department of Social Welfare and Police.
“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 following toll-free numbers 0714647002; 575and11.”