Two-month-old baby injured in domestic fight

A two-month-old baby in Luanshya District has been injured after being struck on the head with a stick allegedly intended for his mother during a domestic fight. Police have since arrested the infant’s father, 46-year-old Mula Mwape of Kanshinde Farming Area, in connection with…

A two-month-old baby in Luanshya District has been injured after being struck on the head with a stick allegedly intended for his mother during a domestic fight.

Police have since arrested the infant’s father, 46-year-old Mula Mwape of Kanshinde Farming Area, in connection with the incident.

Copperbelt Police Commissioner Rae Hamoonga says preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect had been drinking a locally brewed alcoholic beverage at the family home before allegedly becoming intoxicated and demanding more alcohol from his wife.

Mr Hamoonga says the woman refused to serve him more alcohol, allegedly angering the suspect, who picked up a stick and attempted to strike her while she had the baby strapped to her back.

“The suspect became upset, picked up a stick and attempted to strike the reporter, who at the time had the baby strapped to her back,” Mr Hamoonga said.

He says the stick instead struck the infant on the head, leaving him with a cut.

The incident occurred around 17:00 hours on August 24 and was reported to Mpatamatu Police Station the following night.

Police issued a medical report form and referred the baby to Roan General Hospital for medical examination and treatment.

A docket has since been opened and the suspect arrested as investigations continue.

Mr Hamoonga has condemned violence against children and called on families and communities to protect them from abuse, neglect and violence.

“Children are vulnerable and must be protected from abuse, neglect and violence at all times,” he said.