Bulawayo, (New Ziana) –A 41-year-old woman from Bulawayo has been arrested for allegedly holding her four-year old son by the legs and repeatedly slamming him onto the ground as well as kicking him in the face several times, leaving him with life-threatening injuries.

The suspect, who is believed to be battling drug addiction and mental health challenges, was apprehended following a tip-off from her sister-in-law who stays in another suburb.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect allegedly held her infant son by his legs and repeatedly hit his head against the ground as well as kicking him in the face.

The child reportedly sustained a fractured skull and is currently in a critical condition at the Mpilo General Hospital.

“On February 5 at around 4 PM, the minor’s 64-year-old aunt from Emganwini high-density suburb received an anonymous call alerting her that the suspect was assaulting her son,” she said. “The little boy sustained a swollen eye and a fractured skull. A police report was made, leading to the suspect’s arrest.”

Msebele said investigations revealed the accused is suspected of abusing drugs and has mental challenges. “The child was rushed to Mpilo Hospital, where his condition remains critical,” she said.

New Ziana