Mugabe hails corporal punishment

Mugabe hails corporal punishment

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ZIMBABWE'S President Robert Mugabe says corporal punishment is good for children, it was reported Sunday.

Mugabe, 83, told family members and friends gathered for a memorial service for his brother Donato this weekend that occasional corporal punishment was in line with Zimbabwean culture, the official Sunday Mail newspaper reported.

The longtime Zimbabwean leader, who is a father of three children of school-going age, said corporal punishment was only a problem if it is excessive.

"We strongly support the use of corporal punishment in disciplining errant children," the president said, describing his late brother as a strict disciplinarian.

Outlawed in some Western countries, many schools in Zimbabwe still mete out corporal punishment for wayward behaviour, while courts can sentence juvenile offenders to canings for some offences.

The memorial service took place Saturday in Mugabe's home district of Zvimba, a ruling party stronghold. - dpa

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