By Masvingo Correspondent

A Masvingo woman clobbered her 8-year-old niece with an electric cable before forcing her to place her palms on a hot stove as punishment for eating chocolate which was intended for desert after dinner.

A local court heard that the minor sustained burns on her right hand and severe bruises all over the body as a result of the shocking abuse.

Kudzai Musarurwa, 45, who is employed as a clerk at a local school pleaded guilty to contravening the Children’s Act when she appeared before Masvingo magistrate Langton Ndokera last Friday.

She was sentenced to 30 days in prison with and option of paying a $100 fine.

Prosecutor Fidelis Nyamukondiwa told the court on 30 July this year, Musarurwa left the minor alone at the family homestead after she had finished preparing some chocolate which was going to be consumed after dinner.

Court heard that the minor ate the chocolate which angered the aunt who took an electric cable and assaulted the minor several times all over the body.

As if that was not enough, court was told that the aunt lit the stove and ordered her niece to touch the red-hot plate.

The matter came to light after the minor told a neighbour soon after the incident. The neighbour accompanied the child to the police after which she was taken to Masvingo Provincial hospital for treatment.

A medical report was produced in court as evidence.