Online Reporter
Dalyn Chigwizura, Court Reporter
A 27-year-old woman from Bulawayo has been fined US$110 for assaulting her employer’s three-year-old daughter several times on the back with a switch, claiming she was teaching the child to communicate when she needed to use the toilet.
Rejoice Moyo, of Pumula North, pleaded guilty to a charge of child ill-treatment under the Children’s Act when she appeared before Western Commonage Magistrate, Mr Jeconia Prince Ncube.
The fine is payable by 21 November 2025. In default of payment, Moyo will serve two months in prison.
In her defence, Moyo told the court that she had no intention of harming the child, but was merely trying to teach her to indicate when she needed to relieve herself.
Prosecuting, Ms Cathrine Kuzu said the accused is employed as a domestic worker by the complainant’s mother.
The incident occurred on October 9, during the day, when the child’s mother left her in Moyo’s care. The court heard that Moyo struck the girl multiple times on the back with a switch.
The child sustained several bruises but did not receive medical attention. The assault was reported to the police leading to Moyo’s arrest.
