A 23-year-old woman has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment or a fine of E4 000 for hacking her eight-year-old stepson with a bush knife and stick all over the body at Ndlalambi.
Simphiwe Nobuhle Mathonsi (23), of Fontotje under Chief Gija, appeared before Magistrate Nkosingiphile Maseko, where she was charged with contravening the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act of 2007.
The court heard that the accused was staying with the young boy while his father was reportedly often away at work.
The minor’s injuries were discovered when he arrived at Ndlalambi Primary School. Teachers reportedly inquired about the visible wounds, and the child informed them that he had been assaulted by his stepmother.
The matter was swiftly reported to Buhleni Police Station, leading to the arrest of the accused.
The boy’s father is said to have returned home after receiving news of the assault.
The child was rushed to Mkhuzweni Health Centre, where he received medical attention.
The court was told that the accused was pregnant at the time of the offence. Her appearance in court was delayed after she developed complications and was admitted to hospital.
It was further alleged that the boy had been staying with his grandparents before his father took him to live with his girlfriend, who later abused him.
Before sentencing, Magistrate Maseko said the accused’s actions had psychological effects on the child.
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He stressed that such behaviour was unacceptable in society and that children must be protected at all costs.
“A child needs to be disciplined according to their age and through reasonable means,” he said.
“The manner the child was assaulted made him not understand what was being done to him, as he was beaten all over the body excessively.”
In mitigation, the accused pleaded for leniency, stating that she had children who depended on her.
She told the court that she lived with her grandmother and was unemployed.
The court, however, imposed a four-year sentence with an option of a E4 000 fine.
