A married man has landed in serious legal trouble after allegedly kidnapping his lover and her young child, reportedly assaulting the woman inside a moving vehicle in an incident that has shocked the community and reignited concerns about intimate partner violence in Zimbabwe.
Marvellous Baro, 30, appeared before Regional Magistrate Mark Dzira this week to face two counts of kidnapping. The court heard that the man entered a plea of not guilty, asserting that the allegations against him were false. His application for bail was firmly denied by the magistrate, who remanded the case to September 8 for further proceedings.
According to the prosecution, the ordeal began on August 4 after Baro spent the day with his alleged lover, identified as Nothabo Sibanda, her three-year-old child, and other family members. What started as a seemingly ordinary day reportedly took a horrifying turn when Baro allegedly forced Sibanda and her child into his vehicle.
Court documents indicate that the accused restrained the woman and child, allegedly assaulting her physically during the drive. The victim sustained multiple injuries, including bruises and cuts, and was left bleeding. Witnesses recounted seeing the woman in a distressed and disoriented state after the ordeal, highlighting the severe psychological impact of the alleged attack.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) were alerted to the incident shortly after the victim managed to escape and report the matter. Police officers confirmed that the case was being treated with urgency, particularly given the involvement of a minor.
A police spokesperson stated: “The safety and protection of women and children remain a top priority. Acts of violence, especially those involving kidnapping and assault, will be investigated thoroughly, and perpetrators will face the full force of the law.”
Baro was apprehended shortly after the report, and authorities confirmed that he remains in custody pending further investigations. Prosecutors have indicated that they will oppose bail, citing the violent nature of the alleged crimes and the risk of witness intimidation.
Married Man in Custody After Allegedly Kidnapping and Assaulting Lover and Her Child
During the hearing, the state outlined the alleged sequence of events, emphasizing the premeditated nature of the crime. According to court papers, Baro had tracked his alleged lover’s movements before forcing her and her child into his vehicle. The prosecution argued that the accused’s actions showed clear intent and a blatant disregard for the safety and wellbeing of both the woman and her child.
Magistrate Dzira acknowledged the severity of the allegations and noted that the case involved multiple aggravating factors, including the involvement of a minor and the alleged physical abuse. “Given the seriousness of the charges and the risk posed to the victims, bail cannot be granted at this stage,” the magistrate said.
News of the case has prompted outrage among local communities and social media users, who condemned the alleged violence and expressed concern over the prevalence of intimate partner abuse. Women’s rights advocates emphasized that the case illustrates ongoing challenges in protecting women and children from domestic violence.
“Violence against women and children cannot be tolerated, regardless of the nature of the relationship,” said one activist from the Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe. “Cases like this underscore the urgent need for stronger legal protections and societal awareness about the rights of women and children.”
Social media has also been abuzz with discussions on the importance of educating both men and women about consent, respect, and lawful conduct in relationships. Hashtags calling for justice for the victims have circulated widely, reflecting public frustration over persistent gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence remains a pressing issue in Zimbabwe. According to recent studies, one in three women experiences some form of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, often at the hands of intimate partners. Cases involving children add another layer of concern, as minors exposed to violence face heightened risks of trauma and long-term psychological damage.
Legal experts note that the courts are increasingly under pressure to impose stricter sentences for such offences, especially when premeditation, kidnapping, and child endangerment are involved. Lawyers specialising in family law suggest that holding perpetrators accountable is crucial to deterring future abuse and reassuring the public that victims’ rights are protected.
The victim in this case is receiving medical attention and counselling to help cope with both the physical and emotional impact of the incident. Child protection services are also involved to ensure that the three-year-old child’s welfare is safeguarded. Psychologists warn that exposure to such traumatic events can have lasting effects on children, highlighting the need for comprehensive support systems.
The next court hearing, scheduled for September 8, will see further investigation reports submitted, including medical assessments and testimony from witnesses. Observers say the outcome of the case could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in Zimbabwe, especially those involving both women and children.
For now, Baro remains in custody, facing the possibility of severe legal consequences if convicted. Meanwhile, the community and advocacy groups continue to call for heightened vigilance and stronger measures to prevent intimate partner violence, reaffirming the principle that no one is above the law when it comes to the safety of women and children.
Source- iHarare
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