Housemaid arrested for alleged brutal attack on six-year-old

Dar es Salaam. A 19-year-old housemaid, Clemensia Cosmas Mirembe, is in police custody after allegedly attempting to murder her employer’s six-year-old son in Goba Kinzudi, Kinondoni District.

The child, Malik Hashim, suffered severe injuries after his throat was slashed on July 15, 2024.

The Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone Commander, Jumanne Muliro, said Ms Mirembe was arrested at an uncompleted building seven days after the incident.

According to reports, on the day of the incident, July 15, 2024, Clemensia allegedly attacked young Malik Hashim by slitting his neck with a sharp object.

The vicious attack left the child in severe pain and resulted in significant blood loss. Witnesses said Malik Hashim’s survival was largely due to his bravery after he managed to stagger from his parents’ house despite being seriously wounded and bleeding profusely.

Commander Muliro explained that after an extensive manhunt, the police apprehended the suspect on July 21, 2024, at 10 p.m.

“The suspect is being thoroughly interrogated and will be brought to court as soon as possible for further legal action,” said Commander Muliro.

In the wake of this horrifying incident, the police continue to urge parents and guardians to take extra precautions to protect children and other vulnerable individuals.

“We should try to instil the habit in children of walking in groups, and we continue to advise children not to approach or befriend strangers,” the police emphasised.

This advice is particularly pertinent given the increasing number of incidents involving child disappearances over the past few weeks here in Dar es Salaam and across the country.

The police also advised parents and guardians to avoid risky behaviour, such as sending children out at night or to dangerous areas during the night.

“Anyone involved in criminal activities will be arrested and brought to justice,” they reiterated.  Commander Muliro says the police force is dedicated to maintaining public safety and ensuring that perpetrators of crimes against children are held accountable.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among the community in Goba Kinzudi and beyond.

In debates, especially through social media platforms, people are calling for stricter measures to ensure the safety of children.

Previously, the police had also issued a caution to parents about the type of housemaids they hire at home.

“We leave this matter to the police force,” he said.

Mr Muliro urged Dar es Salaam residents to be vigilant whenever they seek housemaids and stressed the importance of ensuring they have all the necessary information before hiring them and leaving them with children.

“When you bring in a housemaid, you need to know where she comes from so that you can welcome a mad person into your house and leave the responsibilities of taking care of your children and your house to her. You need to know where she comes from and her parents,” he said.