Epworth Mother Who Burned Her Son’s Hands On A Gas Stove Arrested

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed the arrest of a woman seen in a viral video assaulting a young boy.

On Wednesday, 25 March 2026, police identified the woman as 36-year-old Mercy Kawesa from Overspill, Epworth, Harare. She is the mother of the boy.

Kawesa told police that she was punishing her son for allegedly stealing items from a local tuck shop.

In the footage, Kawesa is seen “disciplining” the child by hitting him with a cooking stick and then forcing his hands onto an open gas flame. The video has caused widespread outrage across social media.

In a statement issued on Monday, 23 March, the police had appealed for information to help identify and locate the woman, warning that she will face the full force of the law, including a potential charge of attempted murder.

“The ZRP has taken note of a disturbing viral video involving a child abuse incident circulating on social media platforms in which a woman is clearly seen assaulting a minor and forcing the child to touch a blazing gas stove.

“The ZRP is appealing for information which may assist in the identification and subsequent arrest of the suspect captured in the video.

“Meanwhile, the relatives or guardians of the minor are urged to come forward and report the matter at the nearest police station to facilitate investigations.

“The ZRP assures the public that once the suspect is arrested, she will face the full wrath of the law, including charges of attempted murder.”