Police arrests woman over alleged child torture

DODOMA: THE Dodoma Regional Police Force has arrested a 40-yearold woman for allegedly torturing two children, including her one-year-old daughter, in separate incidents of abuse in Dodoma City.

A statement issued by Dodoma Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Gallus Hyera, identified the suspect as Maria Joseph and the victims as six-year-old Yakobo Lukasi and one-year-old Aisha Abdul.

ACP Hyera said the suspect allegedly beat Lukasi on various parts of his body with a wooden cooking spoon (mwiko) after accusing him of stealing side dish (mboga), causing him serious injuries.

He added that Maria also allegedly burnt the buttocks of her daughter, Aisha Abdul, with a heated metal spoon before locking the child inside her rented house.

“After committing these cruel acts, she locked the child inside her rented room,” ACP Hyera said.

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According to the Regional Police Commander, neighbours alerted authorities, prompting police officers and Social Welfare officials to rescue the children and rush them to Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital for treatment and medical examination.

Both children remain admitted to the hospital and are responding well to treatment, according to the latest information. ACP Hyera said the suspect will be arraigned in court once investigations are completed.

“The Police Force strongly condemns acts of violence and cruelty committed by some parents, guardians and members of the public. Such actions will not be tolerated and stern legal measures will be taken against perpetrators,” he said.

He also urged members of the public to continue reporting cases of abuse against children and older people.