A High Court in Zimbabwe has ruled banning corporal punishment for children at school and home. The ruling will have to be confirmed eventually by the constitutional court.
The BBC reported that the directive from the High Court was sparked by a complaint from a parent, Linah Pfungwa whose child in a class for six-year-olds was beaten by her teacher.
The child sustained deep bruises which angered Linah Pfungwa who subsequently filed a case in Court.
Pfungwa’s daughter was punished for not doing her homework. She told local newspaper the Chronicle that “My child suffered major bruises and I took photographs and pictures… She had deep bruises on her back and she could hardly sleep properly.”
Pfungwa was supported by the Justice for Children’s Trust to file her case to ask for children not to be punished violently in breach of their human rights.
The judge who ruled on the case, Justice David Mangota said corporal punishment for children breached the constitution of Zimbabwe, directing that parents and teachers refrain from beating their children as a form of punishment.
There are reports of anger among some parents who have criticized the ruling but rights groups have welcomed the ruling.
Source: Africafeeds.com
