Dr. Aslam Nkya, Head of Surgical Services, announced that a four-hour major surgery successfully repaired the child's airway, voice box, and neck injuries. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania — Six-year-old Malick Hashimu, a
resident of Goba, Dar es Salaam, who was severely injured by a housemaid, has
been discharged from Muhimbili National Hospital. After weeks of intensive
care, Hashimu is now on the path to recovery.
Dr. Rachel Mhavile, Director of
Surgical Services at Muhimbili National Hospital, addressed the press on
Wednesday, confirming that Hashimu’s condition has significantly improved.
"We are satisfied with the care he received since his admission.
Malick is safe and ready to return home,
resume schooling, and continue his normal life. We will continue to monitor his
progress closely," Dr. Mhavile stated.
The young boy sustained critical
injuries when his housemaid attacked him with a sharp object, cutting his neck
and severing his airway below the voice box. This brutal assault left him
struggling to breathe and speak, enduring severe pain and significant blood
loss.
On July 17, 2024, the Dar es Salaam
Special Zone Police Force announced the arrest of the suspect, 19-year-old
Clemensia Cosmas Mirembe. She was found hiding in an abandoned building in Goba
Kizudi, Kinondoni. Police officials confirmed that Mirembe is undergoing
thorough interrogation and will face legal action soon.
The Legal and Human Rights Centre
highlights that children’s rights are frequently violated in Tanzania. Police
statistics reveal a disturbing trend: from 2017 to 2021, there were 70,997
reported incidents of violence against children, averaging 14,199 cases per
year, 1,183 per month, and 39 each day.
This tragic case underlines the
urgent need for enhanced child protection measures in Tanzania. Immediate
action is essential to prevent such horrors from recurring. Implementing
comprehensive child protection programs, including education for parents and
caregivers, is critical.
Schools and communities must
promote awareness and foster a supportive environment where children can report
abuse safely. Strengthening legal frameworks and ensuring swift justice for
offenders will deter potential abusers.
This think piece has captured
public attention due to its harrowing nature and the stark reminder of the
vulnerabilities faced by children in domestic settings. The brutal attack on
Malick Hashimu by his housemaid has underscored the pressing need for better
protection and oversight in households employing domestic workers.
In major Tanzanian cities like Dar
es Salaam, where many housemaids are sourced from regions like Iringa and
Dodoma, the dynamics of domestic employment add layers of complexity. The
migration of these workers to urban centers often brings challenges, including
isolation from their communities and limited access to support systems. Such
conditions can exacerbate stress and contribute to harmful behaviors, impacting
the well-being of children in their care.
Moreover, the recruitment and
employment practices for housemaids can sometimes lack thorough vetting and
training, leading to potential risks for children. This case highlights the
need for rigorous background checks, clear regulations, and training programs
for domestic workers to ensure they are equipped to provide safe and nurturing
environments for children. Strengthening these practices will be crucial in
preventing future abuses and safeguarding the lives of vulnerable children
across Tanzania.