In a deeply disturbing incident, a 48-year-old woman from Matikiti Village in Inyathi, Matabeleland North province, has appeared in court on charges of brutally assaulting her 14-year-old stepson. Ntombikayise Dube faced the accusation of assaulting the young boy with a broomstick on his face, following a disagreement over firewood.
During the court hearing before Inyathi magistrate Ropafadzo Manyande, Dube pleaded not guilty to the assault charge. She was remanded in custody until her next court appearance scheduled for November 1.
The distressing incident unfolded when the boy, Mlungisi Mnkandla, allegedly declined his stepmother’s request to fetch firewood. Mlungisi cited exhaustion from his daily chores and schoolwork as the reason for his refusal.
Dube, who has been married to Mlungisi’s father, Obert Mnkandla, for two years, reacted with anger to the boy’s refusal. In a fit of rage, she repeatedly struck him on the face with a broomstick, causing visible injuries and profuse bleeding.
The shocking incident came to light when a concerned neighbour witnessed the savage assault and promptly alerted the police. This led to Dube’s arrest and subsequent appearance in court to face the charges.
