HARARE– Women and Law in Southern Africa (WLSA) Zimbabwe has called on the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to urgently investigate an alleged assault that reportedly occurred during the recording of an episode of Tinashe Mugabe’s DNA Show, saying the incident raises serious concerns about participant safety, safeguarding and media ethics.
In a statement, WLSA said it was “deeply disturbed” by a widely circulated video appearing to show a woman being physically assaulted in the presence of a live audience and production crew.
The organisation said paternity, family and relationship disputes are highly sensitive matters that require responsible handling, trauma-informed engagement and strict safeguards to protect the rights and dignity of participants, particularly women and children.
“WLSA is deeply disturbed that the incident occurred in a controlled media environment where a duty of care is expected.The apparent lack of immediate intervention raises serious questions about participant safety, safeguarding protocols, and the ethical responsibilities of media producers when overseeing emotionally volatile and potentially high-risk situations,” the organisation said.
WLSA also noted unverified claims circulating on social media regarding the age and background of some of the individuals involved. While urging caution against treating the claims as fact, the organisation said they nevertheless raise serious child protection concerns that warrant investigation.
It said where there is any possibility that a child was involved, or where historical abuse of a minor is alleged, authorities have a legal obligation to investigate in line with the Children’s Act and other child protection laws.
The incident also sparked widespread debate on social media, with many users expressing concern and calling for police intervention.
One user wrote:”He is the father, yet he is fighting the results. He should be arrested.”
Another commented: “Advance andibhowa. Ngaaendeswe kujeri. Tinashe Mugabe, batsirai neFoundation yenyu iya.”
A third user questioned why the matter had been aired publicly, posting: “Wakadii kuita zviri private?”
Tinashe Mugabe’s DNA Show has previously attracted criticism from women’s rights organisations, legal practitioners and social commentators, who argue that the programme publicly exposes women and families during deeply personal paternity and relationship disputes instead of helping to resolve such matters privately through counselling and mediation.
Critics have also questioned whether the show’s format adequately protects the dignity, privacy and psychological well-being of participants, particularly women and children.
The programme has previously faced legal scrutiny, with some episodes becoming the subject of court proceedings and public debate over issues including privacy, consent and broadcasting ethics. It has, at various times, also been removed from broadcast schedules before continuing on other platforms.
WLSA stressed that violence against women is a criminal offence and a human rights violation that should never be normalised or used as entertainment.
It also urged the producers and broadcasters of the DNA Show to be held accountable for any safeguarding failures through a review of their duty-of-care obligations, consent procedures and on-set protection mechanisms.
In addition, WLSA called for a review of ethical, editorial and safeguarding standards governing televised programmes involving vulnerable individuals to prevent humiliation, secondary trauma and avoidable harm.
The organisation reminded survivors of gender-based violence that they are entitled to legal protection, including protection orders under the Domestic Violence Act, as well as psychosocial and legal support through the Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly Unit and other service providers.
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