A 34-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly burning her daughter’s right hand on the charcoal burner over a missing K200 note.

According to Blantyre police public relations officer, Sub-Inspector Augustus Nkhwazi, the suspect, Nellie Zgambo burnt her 10-year-old daughter around 0900 at Mbayani township in Blantyre City on Sunday.

“Her mother accused her of stealing the said money from the house. The development infuriated the mother who started assaulting the victim. As if this was not enough, she grabbed the helpless young girl by her right hand and pushed her in the burning charcoal from a charcoal burner. Not satisfied with the punishment, the estranged woman bit the thump of the already burnt hand before leaving the child helpless at an undisclosed location,” he said.

The girl, who is in Standard two at Mbayani primary school, was rushed to police, and then Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital by well-wishers who rescued the girl after being alarmed by the continuous cries.

“She was treated as an out-patient. Meanwhile, Police followed up on the suspect and managed to apprehend her at Lunzu township in Blantyre on September 28. She will appear in court soon to answer charges of Acts Intending to Cause Grievous Harm,” he added.

The hand that was burnt- photos courtesy of Nkhwazi

Meanwhile, the girl is in the custody of her father who seperated from the suspect some years ago.

Zgambo hails from Bweya village Traditional Authority (T/A) Dzoole in Dowa but currently resident of Mbayani township.

_Kulinji_