Mother defends self against allegations of burning daughter with hot iron in Lusaka

A 27-year-old mother, Elina Mwanza, broke down in tears as she defended herself at the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court against allegations of burning her nine-year-old daughter with an iron as a form of punishment.

Mwanza is accused of pressing a hot iron on her daughter’s thighs and hand for failing to wash the dishes.

She testified that the incident was an accident, claiming she had forgotten to switch off the iron.

Mwanza recounted receiving a call from the police while at work, informing her that they had taken her daughter to the hospital for medical attention.

When she arrived at the police station, she found her daughter sitting on a bench, and the police asked her why she had assaulted the child.

Mwanza explained that it was an accident, but that the police arrested her and issued a medical report.

During cross-examination, Mwanza confirmed that she had beaten the child around 7 and 8pm and that the child had told her she was burnt with an iron.

However, Mwanza maintained that the child had accidentally fallen onto the iron while being disciplined.

The case has been adjourned for judgment on August 7.

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