The Child Protection Officer (CPO) in conjunction with the Department of Child Welfare and Probation Services (DCWPS) played a pivotal role in the conviction of a couple that physically abused its child. The couple was arrested and convicted of charges of violating Section 7(1) of the Children’s Act Chapter 5:06 after it was found out that it repeatedly assaulted the young boy for soiling his pants using a belt or electric cable.
The case was exposed through an anonymous caller who contacted Child Protection Offices at 12 noon on the day on question, most likely an individual from the nearby community. Following the phone call, the case was actioned by Child Protection’s Child Protection Officer (CPO), who contacted the Department of Child Welfare and Probation Services who are the custodians of Child Welfare in Zimbabwe. An officer, Weston Mudimu, from the department was assigned to the case and a home visit was done. The home visit revealed that the child, a 5 year old boy, was indeed abused and a clinical presentation revealed signs of physical abuse including swollen hands, and fresh and old beating marks. Further investigations led to the child’s confession of physical assault.
Furthermore, interviews were held with his caregivers, the maternal father and stepmother, who proceeded to confirm that they will continue to apply corporal punishment on the young boy for soiling his underpants in future. This response incited the CPO and Probation Officer to report the case to authorities, by the end of the day in question. A visit to the nearest Victim Friendly Unit was futile as the office was closed; however, the officers were directed to the Officer in charge who assigned the case to an Officer to handle the case. Upon this, the CPO and Probation Officer were requested to give a statement and the child was physically examined by the Officer who noted the injuries. Thereafter, the parents were interviewed and gave their statements to the Police.
Following their statements the caregivers were alerted that they had exhibited criminal behavior and would be booked as criminal offenders. A docket was opened against the pair and a date set for court hearing.
That same evening CPS CPO and the Probation Officer had the task to find a ‘place of safety’ for the child. The child was placed in foster care pending further investigations and court proceedings. The following morning, the CPO and Probation Officer took the child to Family Support Trust and the child received counselling and medical attention. The foster parent was given the child’s medication and instructions on how to administer the medication. From this a medical affidavit was produced and consequently used in the court of law as part of evidence.
The Officers attended the next date of court where testimonies were given and cross examinations and mitigations held. The child was interviewed separately by the court of law, as per set standards for child protection. The final date for the verdict was given and the couple received their sentence of community service and cautioned. The child is currently still under foster care pending further recommendations by the Department of Child Welfare and Probation Services, who are monitoring his progress in foster care and keeping in touch with the parents.