Garden boy scalds tenant with porridge

A BULAWAYO woman suffered serious burns after her landlord's garden boy scalded her with porridge following a misunderstanding over the use of a fireplace, a magistrate heard.

Magistrate Charity Maphosa was told this when Foreman Moyo, 23, of Hillside suburb, appeared before her facing an assault charge.

Moyo was remanded in custody to August 22 for continuation of trial.

Prosecuting, Kudakwashe Jaravaza narrated how on August 9 this year, Moyo had a heated argument with Petty Musauki, 36, over a fireplace.

"Moyo went to Musauki's fireplace and found the victim's pots on fire. He then placed his pot of isitshwala near Moyo's pot," said Jaravaza.

The court was told that when Musauki came back to check her pots, she found Moyo at the fireplace during which an altercation ensued between the two.

While in the process of exchanging harsh words, Musauki ordered Moyo to remove his pot from her fireplace and when he refused, she forcibly removed it.

"Moyo then took a pot containing hot porridge and poured it on Musauki's buttocks and back and she sustained severe burns," said Jaravaza.

A police report was made leading to Moyo's arrest. Musauki was rushed to Princess Margret Hospital where she was treated and discharged.

In his defence, Moyo argued that his actions were prompted by Musauki's provocation.

"Musauki is the one who provoked me by striking me with a cooking stick before attempting to pour hot water on me. I managed to overpower her as she was about to scald me with hot water. She doesn't own any fireplace, it belongs to my employer and we are supposed to share it," he said.