Toddler testifies against mother

The boy’s mother had broken into a neighbour’s house and stolen a generator and a television set among other property.
Harare magistrate Mr Stan Mambanje yesterday sentenced the toddler’s mother Kudakwashe Razema (23) to 14 months imprisonment but set aside three months on condition of good behaviour.

A further three months were suspended on condition that she restitutes the complainant on or before February 15 this year.
The remaining year was set aside on condition that she performs 280 hours of community service at Chinamano Police Station.

In passing sentence Mr Mambanje said the toddler, whose evidence was taken from the Victim Friendly Court, was a credible witness. The toddler had told the court that her mother took a generator, stove and TV from the table and took it to her brother.

“The child passed the test and was a credible witness; at times children give conflicting statements,” he said.
The magistrate said the toddler had no reason to lie especially considering his age. He said the property mentioned by the toddler was similar to the complainant’s property.