A seven-year-old boy in Chipata is receiving treatment for serious burns at Chipata Central Hospital after his mother allegedly poured hot water on him for taking K10 to play Bonanza.
Eastern Province Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed that the suspect has been arrested following the incident, which occurred at the family home.
He says the boy reportedly left home for school around 07:00 hours after taking the money but did not attend classes.
Instead, he remained in the area playing Bonanza.
Mr. Mweemba says when he returned home around 09:00 hours, his mother confronted him, leading to an altercation during which she beat him, causing him to fall.
The situation escalated when she allegedly took a pot of hot water from a brazier and poured it on the child’s back.
The mother later rushed the injured boy to a clinic for medical attention before he was referred to Chipata Central Hospital, where his condition is reported to be unstable.
By Samuel Khwawe
