A child was reportedly beaten to death with a water dipper by his mother in Malang, East Java on Tuesday.
According to Malang Police criminal investigator Adj. Comr. Adrian Wimbarda, the mother was furious upon discovering her son had stolen Rp 51,000 (US$4) and used half the money to buy a kite while pocketing the rest.
The mother then repeatedly beat the child and he sustained serious injuries to his body and head, he added.
Neighbors reportedly heard the child screaming, entered the house and rushed him to Kepanjen Regional Hospital, but he died at 2 p.m.
The police said they have interviewed four suspects including the child’s uncle and neighbors while awaiting an autopsy report.
“It appears the mother is hot-tempered,” Wimbarda said on Wednesday.
She reportedly often beat the child and suffers from a mental illness and stress.
The father has been informed as the police continue the investigation. (nor)
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