Deadly Chores: Mother Jailed After Hitting Daughter With Brick For Not Washing Dishes

A Mutare-based mother has found herself jailed and serving in prison after hitting her daughter with a brick for not washing the dishes. The state proved that she hit her daughter till she was unconscious and had to seek medical attention.

Debra Masese, aged 33, faced the Mutare Magistrates’ Court on charges of physical abuse involving her own child.

Incident Details that led to the assault with brick

According to court proceedings, in April 2024, Masese physically attacked her 11-year-old daughter, Makanaka Masese, using a half brick, striking her on the right side of the head.

Reports indicate that Masese had left her daughter in the care of her brother while she went into town. Upon returning, she discovered that her daughter had neglected to wash the dishes. This discovery reportedly triggered her violent outburst, leading to the assault.

ALSO READ: Zimbabwean Academic Former MDC Politician Prof Elliot Pfebve Running To Be Councillor In The UK

mother hits daughter with brick — Mother hits daughter with brick-Image Source@iStock

Aftermath and Disclosure

Following the assault, Makanaka fell unconscious, prompting Masese to rush her to a nearby clinic for treatment. The incident only came to light after authorities received a tip-off regarding the assault. Upon investigation, Makanaka confirmed the details of the attack.

The police arrested the mother on charges of assault and nearly fatally killing her daughter. This led to the court case and a trial that led to the guilt verdict from the judge.

ALSO READ: Bizarre Night Burial Of Businessman Sets Tongues Wagging In Zvishavane

Judicial Ruling

Masese was ultimately sentenced to 24 months in prison. Of this sentence, 8 months were suspended, leaving her with an effective term of 16 months behind bars.

Her sentence is being used as an example to raise awareness of the limitations of corporal punishment. Over the past few years, a number of kids have lost their lives under their guardians and parents’ hands because of fatal corporal punishment methods.