Sir Seretse Khama Barracks Police are questioning a 36-year-old Mmopane woman in connection with allegations that she poured hot water on a five-year old child as a form of punishment.
The Telegraph is informed that the five-year-old girl had been hired to look after the woman’s three-year-old child.
The Station Commander of Sir Seretse Khama police station, Superintendent King Tshebo, confirmed that they are investigating an incident in which a five-year-old child was scalded with hot water on her head. He said police investigations have so far revealed that the accused person hired the five-year-old child to look after her three-year-old child. He also said there is proof that, at times, the five-year-old nanny was beaten with a stick.
The police got to know of the case after a tip off from the public. They then investigated and found the five-year-old child with bad wounds on the head. The child was rushed to Princess Marina for treatment, and is now housed in one of the shelters in Gaborone.
The accused person will appear before Village Magistrate court on July 12th.
The Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Peter Siele, is currently addressing kgotla meetings to educate the public about child labour.
The Program Manager at Childline, Olebile Machete, said they are worried about the increasing cases of child labour and abuse.
