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Brenda Zinyuke, Court Reporter

A MAN from Bulawayo has been arrested for allegedly beating his juvenile niece for failing to read.

Jethro Gwena (29) of North End suburb allegedly hit the girl (5), whose identity has been withheld for ethical reasons, with a stick several times on her hands and back.

The minor, who is admitted to a hospital that was not named in court, suffered swollen hands, neck, face, and back as a result of the assault.

Gwena was not asked to plead to physical abuse when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate, Ms Ulukile Muleya.

The magistrate remanded him out of custody on $50 bail to September 19.

Prosecuting, Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo said on September 8 this year at around 3PM, Gwena was teaching the complainant how to read and write.

“The complainant allegedly failed to read and write some words leading to her uncle assaulting her with a stick on her hands and back,” he said.

The prosecutor said the minor fell down because of the beating and suffered minor scratches on her face.

Mr Dlodlo said the juvenile also suffered a swollen right ear and neck as a result of the fall.

The matter was reported to the police by one of the family members whose identity was not revealed leading to the accused person’s arrest.—@zinyuke98