Gweru child abusers imprisoned
By Dumisani Ndlovu
Two Gweru women whose pictures went viral on social media for torturing minor children will languish in prison after Gweru Magistrate Court convicted them of child abuse and sentenced them to 12 months each.
In passing the sentence the presiding Magistrate, Beaulity Dube convicted the duo, Theresa Bimbi ages 25 years and the step-mother of the 9-year-old girl Beauty Dude aged 28, who were jointly charged for illtreating the child. She sentenced them to 12-months in prison,2 months were suspended on condition that they do not committee similar offence in the next five years. They will therefore serve an effective 10 months in prison.
The two convicts who are sisters – in – law in that they are married to biological brothers pleaded guilty on both trial and cross examination, attracted the court’s lenience as the magistrate cited that they did not waste the court’s time.
“In passing the sentence I considered that the accused are first time offenders and did not waste the court’s time, they pleading guilty. They both apologised in this court which is a sign of remorse,” said Magistrate Dube.
The presiding magistrate however boldly stated that despite the exhibited good behaviours by the accused, does not make them right candidates for community service.
“The facts still remain you illtreated a minor, you tied her with a rope, left the child to hang up-side-down on a durawall. As if that is not enough your co-accused kicked the hanging child”
“The incident traumatised the child. It is the duty of the law to protect children. As a court we do not condone such an abused from the one who should protect the child. Hence, I am going to pass a deterrent custodial sentence of 12 month, suspend 2 month and you are going for 10 months, given the fact that you have similar charges in another court,” said magistrate Dube.
The prosecutor Christine Shoniwa informed the court that the victim (names withheld) is a juvenile 9 years and Beauty Dude is the step-mother of the 9-year-old girl.
“During the month of January 2024, Dude sent her stepdaughter to the shops to buy bread and she refused citing that she was not feeling well. Bimbi took the complainant into her room and beat her all over the body. Dube also joined in the assault and hit her head against the wall. The victim sustained a swollen left ear as a result,” said Prosecutor Shonhiwa.
