The Ladysmith Regional Court has sentenced a mother to five years in prison for assaulting her child. The incident happened in October last year in the Ematsheni area.

The mother had instructed her seven-year-old son to bring her some water to drink; she was suffering from a bad hangover after a night of over-indulging. The youngster did not respond immediately to her request, but instead continued playing.

This infuriated her to such an extent that she took a rock and hit him in the face. The boy sustained bruising to the left side of his face and eye. The attack was witnessed by the victim’s grandmother.

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Ematsheni police were informed and responded quickly. They immediately arrested the mother and arranged medical treatment for the seven-year-old. Constable M Xaba was tasked with investigating the case. He carried out a meticulous investigation during which he left no stone unturned.

The mother was charged for assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and appeared before the Bergville Magistrate’s Court, where bail was granted, pending a trial date.

The case was transferred to the Ladysmith Regional Court, where the accused was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment, three of which have been suspended. The victim has been placed in a foster care home, away from his siblings and grandmother.

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