Mother arrested in Lusaka for brutally assaulting her 9-year-old daughter

Police in Lusaka’s Kanyama area have arrested a 35-year-old woman for physically assaulting her 9-year-old biological daughter, using a cooking stick and a brazier.

Police Spokesperson, Rae Hamoonga, said the victim sustained multiple burns all over her back and buttocks as a result of the assault, inflicted using a cooking stick and brazier.

Hamoonga in a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, stated that the incident occurred following an accusation by the now-suspect, who accused the victim of stealing money from the house.

“Kanyama Police Station, under the Victim Support Unit, received a distressing report yesterday the April 17, 2024, at 17:00 hours, concerning an assault on a female juvenile aged 9, residing in Old Kanyama Compound of Lusaka,” he said.

Hamoonga stated that the victim bravely revealed to the police victim support officers that she had been subjected to severe burns by her biological mother, aged 35, at their residence on April 12, 2024, around 16:00 hours.

He added that: “in response to the accusation, the suspect physically assaulted the victim with a cooking stick before attempting to further harm her by placing her hands on the burning brazier.”

Hamoonga said in the struggle that ensued, the victim fell onto the blazer, resulting in severe burns.

“The gravity of the situation was exacerbated by the suspect’s attempt to deceive police by falsely claiming that the victim had sustained injuries from a fall,” he stated.

Hamoonga said upon further investigation and the victim’s courageous disclosure, the truth however came to light, leading to the arrest of the suspect for the offense of assault on a child.

He stated that in response to ensuring the victim’s safety and well-being, she had been relocated to a safe home where she will receive the necessary support and care.

“Additionally, a medical report has been issued to document the extent of her injuries, and a comprehensive investigation is underway. The suspect has been detained in custody,” Hamoonga said.

He urged members of the community to remain vigilant and report any instances of child abuse or violence promptly.

Hamoonga assured the nation that police remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all children in society.

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