Niece burnt with electric iron for failing homework

A 20-year-old woman from ZRP Cashel Valley Camp allegedly burnt her niece with a hot electric iron for failing to excel in her homework.

Deborah Chikotera appeared at Mutare Magistrates' Court for allegedly burning her niece on March 23.

Prosecuting, Mr Douglas Mutiure said on March 4 Chikotera ill-treated the young girl by burning her with an electric iron. It is alleged that the minor was tasked to do her homework and did not excel.

This is did not go down well with Chikotera to the extent of burning her once on her back.

 The minor sustained a wound which is about 7-8cm long on her back and is still recuperating at Mutambara Mission Hospital.

Chikotera denied the charges saying: "She is my uncle's daughter and there is no way I could have done this. I negligently left a hot iron on the ground and my niece was accidentally burnt."

 The accused is being charged with contravening Section 7 of the Child Protection Act, Chapter 5:06 (ill treatment of a child) or alternatively charged with physical abuse as defined in Section 3(1) (a) of the Domestic Violence Act, Chapter 5:16.

The matter was adjourned to March 10 for trail. She was remanded out of custody on $20.