A 12-year-old boy, identified as Yankho Matupa, is recovering from severe burns in Neno District after his father burned him with fire, accusing him of losing a generator part.

Speaking from Neno District Hospital, Yankho explained that his father pressed his hand into a fire after he denied taking the missing part.

The boy’s grandmother, Ivy Clemence, said she was shocked to hear the child screaming in pain. When she asked the father what had happened, he casually replied, “I burned him.”

Yankho is currently receiving treatment at Neno District Hospital. He hails from Chilombo Village, Group Village Head Kaluphya, in the area of Traditional Authority Chekucheku in Neno.

Police have not yet confirmed the arrest of the father.