The ManicaPost
Wimbainashe Zhakata Post Reporter
A MARANGE woman was sentenced to eight years in jail after being convicted of killing her 13-year-old son by smashing his head against the wall over a lost ball point pen.
Lydia Kahwema, of Mangatu Village, under Chief Marange was convicted of causing the death of her son Tafadzwa Kahwema and had High Court judge Justice Hlekani Mwayera to thank for suspending four years of the initial sentence on usual grounds.
In sentencing Kahwema, Justice Mwayera said the court had to weigh in and show that the sanctity of human life should not be eroded by violent and irrational individuals.
“The accused’s conduct bordered on recklessness as she brutally and viciously assaulted her 13-year-old child using switches and further busting his head against a wall.
“The moral blameworthiness is high given that the child looked up to the mother for protection and support. The child had been sent away from school for a ball point pen and for him to be visited with such a vicious attack by the mother was unwarranted. The mother had a duty and obligation to maintain the child,” said Justice Mwayera.
Justice Mwayera also described the attack as the worst form of domestic violence, warranting severe punishment.
“A civilised community should uphold a homely atmosphere which is peaceful and readily available to resolve differences in a peaceful manner.
“To severely and fatally assault a child over a lost pen is unacceptable and must be condemned. The child was subjected to torture both at home and at school. The right to education was offended by being chased away from school. Further the child’s rights were crushed by the mother who violently attacked him instead of shouldering the duty of care and provision on herself. The irresponsible and cruel conduct by the mother calls for a custodial sentence,” said Justice Mwayera.
Circumstances leading to Kahwema’s arrest were that on February 26, 2018, Tafadzwa was sent home for not having a ball point pen.
This did not go down well with his mother who then assaulted him with switches several times all over the body. Kahwema went on to smash her son’s head against the wall leaving him with serious injuries.
The 13-year-old later died from the injuries.
