Father Sentenced to 9 Years for Burning Son’s Palms Over Stolen Maize In Rumphi

A magistrate in Rumphi has sent Thomas Katunundu, 36, to do time in jail for nine years for burning palms of his 11-year-old child using a heated panga knife after the boy stole maize.

State Prosecutor Josephine Chikaonda said Katunundu committed the crime on November 15, 2024, at Katope area in the district.

First Grade Magistrate Curthbet Phiri said Katunundu’s act was evil and has left a psychological and physical torture on the child for his entire life. He therefore sentenced him to nine years imprisonment with hard labour.