A 58-YEAR-OLD woman from Parse village, Mphoengs, under Chief Tshitshi, has been fined US$200 for assaulting her juvenile neighbour.
Egnitor Ngwenya appeared before Plumtree magistrate Joshua Nembaware facing an assault charge.
She pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay the fine by March 31.
Prosecutor Sheila Nyathi told the court that the complainant is Sakhile Moyo, a male juvenile and a Grade 5 pupil at a local school.
The court heard that on December 14, 2025, at around 9am, Ngwenya was passing through the complainant’s homestead.
She then instructed two male juveniles, Patsimo and Wellington, to seize the complainant and tie him to a tree with a rope, accusing him of having insulted her.
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The two juveniles complied.
The prosecutor said while the complainant was tied to the tree, Ngwenya instructed nine other male juveniles to assault him.
The group then assaulted the complainant using logs, a rope, fists, open hands and boots all over his body.
A report was made to the police, leading to Ngwenya’s arrest.
This comes after a recent fatal assault of a six-year-old girl for failing to spell her name.
In a statement, Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare permanent secretary Simon Masanga said the case was a painful reminder that children must be protected at all times.
“This heartbreaking case is a stark reminder that children deserve love, patience and protection, not punishment that endangers their lives,” he said.
He condemned the use of physical abuse as a form of discipline, stressing that no situation can justify violence against a child.
“No circumstance can ever justify the use of physical abuse as a form of discipline,” Masanga said.
“Discipline must be constructive and never harmful.”
He called on parents, guardians and caregivers to embrace positive parenting practices, noting that children thrive “when they are nurtured with encouragement, guidance and respect”.
“Families must seek support, use non-violent methods of teaching and create safe environments where children can grow with dignity, confidence and love,” Masanga said.
He further emphasised that safeguarding children is a collective responsibility and urged communities to take action against abuse.
The public was urged to report cases of violence against children to the nearest police station or social welfare office.
“The tragic loss of a child through violence is abhorrent and we must ensure that no child ever suffers in this way again. Silence only enables abuse,” Masanga noted.
“No amount of force or abuse can alter the natural abilities of a child. Only encouragement and support can nurture them.”