Police in Matabeleland have arrested a 45-year-old man captured in a shocking viral video assaulting a woman with a sjambok, a brutal act that has ignited widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against gender-based violence in Zimbabwe.
The suspect, identified as Mehluli Ncube, was arrested on November 5 following a swift investigation by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). The incident, which occurred on October 24 at Village 2C in Insuza, Matabeleland North, was filmed and circulated across various social media platforms, sparking a national outcry and prompting the police to intervene.
In an official statement released on X (formerly Twitter), police confirmed that Ncube was taken into custody after investigators verified his involvement in the shocking act. “Investigations by the police have established that the suspect allegedly attacked the victim together with her husband after accusing them of theft,” read the ZRP statement. “He tied the husband’s hands with tyre cables, covered his head with plastic, and went on to callously assault the couple.”
The chilling footage, which quickly went viral, shows Ncube viciously whipping the woman while she pleads for mercy. Bystanders can be heard urging him to stop, but their efforts appear futile as the beating continues. The disturbing clip has since drawn widespread condemnation from citizens, civil society organizations, and women’s rights groups, who have described it as a stark reminder of the violence many women endure in silence.
Following the arrest, ZRP spokespersons emphasized that vigilante justice has no place in a lawful society, warning that taking the law into one’s own hands would only lead to further violence and chaos. They also confirmed that Ncube is expected to face charges of assault and unlawful detention, among others, as investigations continue.
Police Arrest Man Seen Brutally Assaulting Woman in Viral Video
“The police wish to remind members of the public that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands,” said a senior police official. “Those who suspect theft or wrongdoing should report to the authorities rather than resort to violence. We will ensure that justice is served in this matter.”
The viral video has since become the latest flashpoint in Zimbabwe’s ongoing struggle against gender-based violence, particularly in rural areas where law enforcement is often far removed and traditional justice mechanisms sometimes enable abuse. Social commentators have highlighted how deep-seated patriarchal attitudes, coupled with poverty and weak law enforcement, continue to perpetuate cycles of violence.
On social media, Zimbabweans expressed horror and anger at the video, with many demanding a stiff sentence for Ncube. “This is barbaric and unacceptable,” wrote one user on X. “We cannot allow men like this to continue terrorizing women under the guise of discipline or justice.” Another commented, “This is why we need strong laws and real enforcement — not just words.”
Women’s rights activists also weighed in, urging authorities to treat the matter seriously and to prioritize the protection of vulnerable citizens, especially women in rural communities. “Gender-based violence remains one of the most urgent crises in our country,” said one activist from a Bulawayo-based NGO. “When men publicly beat women and think they can get away with it, it shows how normalized violence has become. We need both justice and education to change this mindset.”
Community leaders in Insuza have also condemned the attack, saying it has brought shame to their village. They called on residents to respect the rule of law and to report criminal behavior rather than take matters into their own hands.
Meanwhile, police say they are continuing investigations to determine whether others were involved or complicit in the assault, including the person who recorded the video. Authorities have hinted that those who aided or abetted the assault could also face prosecution.
Legal experts have applauded the swift police response but emphasized the need for a broader strategy to address rural violence. “Such incidents are often fueled by frustration over theft, poverty, and lack of access to justice,” said a Harare-based lawyer. “But nothing can justify what was seen in that video. The law must take its full course to send a strong message.”
As Ncube awaits his day in court, the incident serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers of vigilante justice and the urgent need to confront Zimbabwe’s gender-based violence crisis head-on.
For many Zimbabweans, the image of a helpless woman being beaten while others watch in silence will not be easily forgotten. And for the authorities, it is yet another test of whether the country can turn public outrage into lasting justice and meaningful protection for women.
Source- Bulaayo24
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