Zimpapers Logo

Walter Mswazie  Masvingo Correspondent
A 24-year-old man from Mwenezi in Masvingo allegedly fatally assaulted his son as punishment for absconding school.
Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Peter Zhanero said the incident occurred last week.
He identified the boy as Respect Chauke (9) of Plot 31, Elton Berg Ranch.
Insp Zhanero said the body was taken to Neshuro Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.

He said the man, Mike Chauke, was in police custody assisting with investigations.
“Police have since arrested Chauke and is assisting with investigations. He will appear in court soon,” said Insp Zhanero.

He said on Friday at about 10pm, Mike Chauke went to his mother, Mrs Laida Chauke’s homestead where a 10-year-old boy employed as a herd boy and Respect were sleeping.

“At night, Chauke went to her mother’s homestead which is 300 metres from his. On arrival he woke up the herd boy together with Respect, his son. He asked them to help him carry some water to his homestead and the two complied,” said Insp Zhanero.

He said the trio took some containers and put them in a wheelbarrow before heading to the water source, which is near Chauke’s homestead.

While on the way, Chauke started accusing his son of repeatedly absconding school.
“Chauke took a mopane switch and started assaulting Respect all over the body in the presence of the herd boy until he passed out but

Chauke seemed undeterred. He then ordered the herd boy to go back and sleep and leave Respect behind,” said Insp Zhanero.
He said the following day at about 9am, Ms Laida Chauke left her homestead going to attend a developmental meeting at a nearby village.

“She instructed the herd boy to look after the homestead while she was away. Chauke also woke up Respect and ordered him to go to his grandmother’s (Mrs Laida Chauke) homestead. He woke up but failed to walk due to the injuries that he had sustained from the assault but Chauke did not take it seriously. Instead he continued assaulting Respect until he fell unconscious,” said Insp Zhanero.

He said when Chauke realised that his son had been badly hurt, he went back and took a wheelbarrow intending to take him to his mother’s homestead.

“He took him to Mrs Chauke’s homestead where he died on arrival. A report was made to the police leading to Chauke’s arrest,” he said.