Tanzania:Young Assault Victim Makes Miraculous Recovery, Released from Hospital

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.