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Trish Mukwazo
Bulawayo Bureau
A 21-YEAR-OLD woman from Cowdray Park in Bulawayo has been sentenced to 630 hours of community service for indiscriminately assaulting her 10-year-old stepson on several occasions and denying him food.
Western Commonage resident magistrate Mr Vakayi Douglas Chikwekwe sentenced the woman to 24 months imprisonment with six months conditionally suspended.
The remaining 18 months were suspended on condition that the woman performs 630 hours of community service at the Cowdray Park Health Centre.
The name of the accused has been withheld to protect the identity of the stepson.
In passing sentence, Mr Chikwekwe said he had taken into account that the boy suffered trauma and physical abuse at the hands of his stepmother who was supposed to protect him.
She exceeded the boundaries of disciplining the child.
“Stepmothers like all mothers should not mistreat their children but instead should protect them,” said Mr Chikwekwe.
Prosecutor, Mr Milton Moyo, said between July 1 and August 4, the woman assaulted her stepson on several occasions punching him all over the body and denying him food.
“The matter came to light on August 4 at around 7am when a neighbour became suspicious after noticing that the victim’s face was swollen,” he said.
When quizzed by the neighbour, the boy revealed that he had been assaulted and denied food on several occasions by his stepmother.
A report was made to the police leading to the woman’s arrest.
The stepson was taken to hospital for medical examination and the medical report was produced in court as evidence.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter