Police in Machinga is have arrested  28 years old woman for allegedly burning the hands of her three year-old boy who she accused of stealing vegetables (Mkhwani) which she prepared as relish.

The suspect has been identified as Ethel John who committed the crime on Saturday on her return from her farm after she realized the missing of the relish.

However, Child protection worker in the area of Sub-Traditional Authority Adamson, Elliot Brown Chamveka has confirmed the development.

The boy was taken to Ntaja Health Center today to receive medical assistance.

Chamveka added that the woman has been issuing corporal punishments to her son, saying among other things she ties him to a tree, sometimes on rainy days.

Ethel John is 28 years old hails from Macheche village Sub-Traditional Authority Adamson in Machinga District