Woman in brutal attack on stepson

IN a shocking incident a 48-year-old woman from Matikiti Village in Inyathi, Matebeleland North province appeared in court, facing charges of brutally assaulting her 14-year-old stepson with a broomstick on the face following a misunderstanding over firewood.

For the offence Ntombikayise Dube appeared before Inyathi magistrate Ropafadzo Manyande charged with assault.

She pleaded not guilty to the charge and was remanded in custody pending her next court appearance on 1 November.

The disturbing incident occurred when the boy Mlungisi Mnkandla reportedly refused to fetch firewood for his stepmother.

The boy refused, citing exhaustion from his daily chores and schoolwork.

The refusal reportedly did not go down well with Dube, who has been married to Mlungisi's father, Obert Mnkandla, for two years.

In a fit of rage Dube repeatedly assaulted the boy with a broomstick on the face leaving him with visible injuries and causing him to bleed profusely.

The horrifying incident came to light when a concerned neighbour who witnessed the savage assault immediately notified the police leading to Dube's arrest and subsequent appearance in court.