Boy escapes death after being burned by mother

GEITA: A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy from Kasota village, Geita District, narrowly escaped death after his mother burned him over allegations of stealing 800/-.

In a shocking twist, the boy, a Standard Three pupil at Kasota Primary School, was allegedly burned by his own mother over the disappearance of 800/- from her savings.

Geita Regional Police Commander, SACP Safia Jongo, confirmed the story, which might sound more like a plot from a crime drama than real life.

According to the RPC, it all started when the boy’s sister came home from school and noticed her brother with money.

After some quick detective work okay, a bit of sibling confrontation he admitted to taking the 800/-. Upon hearing this, the sister ran to their mother with the news.

The mother, in an apparent fit of rage, checked her savings and found the amount had shrunk to 600/- (not the most financially savvy way to handle a money issue).

What followed was something out of a nightmare. The mother allegedly doused her son in petrol and set him on fire before fleeing the scene.

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Thankfully, some brave locals came to the rescue, rushing the boy to Kasota Health Centre. His condition remains critical, but doctors are optimistic, as he’s receiving the medical care he urgently needs. The police, never ones to let a good getaway happen without a chase, tracked down the mother and arrested her.

“Once the investigation is complete, she will face justice,” the RPC said, likely hoping the next chapter of this tale doesn’t involve another unexpected plot twist.

In a more personal update, the boy’s aunt, Siwema Kulwa, shared that the mother has a history of mental health issues. “When I spoke to him, he denied taking the money,” she said.

“He thinks his mother’s actions are more about her mental health than the money.”

The Geita District Health Officer, Dr Shadrack Omega, confirmed the child had suffered burns to his chest, neck, back and right arm.

“The patient is in stable condition and we’re providing the necessary care,” Dr Omega assured. While the motives behind this shocking attack are still being pieced together, one thing is clear: This boy’s ordeal has raised questions about mental health and how far we go when emotions run wild.