Online Reporter
Arron Nyamayaro
A 79-YEAR-OLD woman from Zengeza was scalded with hot porridge by her son on Saturday, who was accusing her of witchcraft.
Police said Cecilia Chikudo sustained burns to her face, shoulders and hands, as well as a deep cut on her forehead.
Her son, Joel Masvaya (33), accused her of allegedly bewitching him.
An altercation between the two followed the accusations.
Chikudo was rushed to Chitungwiza Central Hospital, where she regained consciousness after admission, though her condition remains serious.
Joel, who police said was visibly drunk, was arrested.
Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed the arrest.
“Police arrested a Zengeza man on attempted murder charges,” said Insp Chakanza.
“The accused person was reported to have turned violent and assaulted his biological mother with open hands on the face several times.
“She fell to the ground.”
Insp Chakanza added that the suspect then went to the kitchen, picked up a silver pot containing hot porridge, and poured it over his mother’s face.
He also used the empty pot to strike her once on the forehead, after which she became unconscious.
“The accused person’s father rescued his wife from further assault, with the help of neighbours,” he said.
