Woman remanded for scalding her sister’s maid with hot water

Monday, September 15, 2025 - A Bulawayo woman has been remanded in custody after allegedly pouring boiling water on her sister’s maid in what authorities described as a shocking and unprovoked attack.

Privilege Moyo, 38, of Emganwini suburb, Zimbabwe, appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Archie Wochiwunga on charges of physical abuse.

Prosecutor Audrey Kufandikanwe told the court that the incident occurred on 28 August, when Moyo, who is the sister of the complainant’s employer, seized a pot of boiling water in the kitchen and poured it over the maid, Bethia Moyo.

“The accused suddenly grabbed a pot of boiling water from the kitchen and poured it on Bethia Moyo without provocation,” Kufandikanwe said. The victim sustained severe burns to her face and chest and was rushed to the United Bulawayo Hospitals, where she remains under treatment.

Magistrate Wochiwunga remanded Privilege Moyo in custody until 17 September and ordered that she undergo a psychiatric evaluation by two separate doctors to determine her mental state at the time of the alleged offence.

The matter was reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police, who arrested the accused. Authorities say investigations are ongoing.