Man jailed for burning step son

A CITY man in Harare was sentenced to nine months in jail for burning his ten year old step son's hands accusing him of stealling sugar and meat.

Witnmess Tanyanyiwa (50) of Highfields had been initially sentenced to 12 months in jail before three months were suspended for five years on condition of good behaviour.

He pleaded guilty to the charge of illtreating a minor when he appeared before Mbare magistrate Shelly Zvenyika.

Prosecutor Nelso n Makunyire told the court that on August 10 Tanyanyiwa arrived home and confronted the boy accusing him of theft of meat and sugar. He then switched on the stove and forced the minor to place his hands on the hot stove as a punishment.

The boy sustained serious burns on his hands. A report made to the police led to his arrest.