Two women in Nkhotakota  are in police custody for allegedly  scorching  a nine-year- old-boy suspected of stealing  relish.

The victim is Shukulani Sinani  a standard one at Nkhotakota Primary.

Spokesperson for Nkhotakota police ,  Kaitano  Lubrino said Sinani reported to the police that he was scorched by her grandmother  Veronica  Banda 49, after being suspected of stealing relish meant for  supper.

After accusing  her grandson, Banda  is said to have reported the matter to her sister-in-marriage, Ellen Latibu , 61, who is the boy’s guardian, and the two, together tied both hands of the victim and started scorching him with burning fire.

“We arrested the two women  and charged  them with an offence of unlawful wounding. The two are expected  to appear before court soon”, said Lubrino.

The suspects come from Penema Village in the area of senior  Chief Malengachanzi in the district.

Meanwhile the victim has been admitted at Nkhotakota Hospital.