An apprentice carpenter identified simply as Onome, has been reportedly beaten to death by her master, Orunor, in Sapele, Delta over lateness.

Witnesses said the incident occurred at the master’s workshop located along New Ogorode Road, Sapele few days ago.

According to reports, the apprentice was disciplined by the boss over an alleged lateness to work while he also accused him of stealing his Automated Teller Machine card.

Consequently, it was reportedly resolved that the boy should be disciplined decisively through beating.

However, the alleged beating reportedly took a new twist for the apprentice who, on reaching home, was said to have complained of pains all over his body, to his parents.

The apprentice further reportedly explained to his parents all that transpired between him and his master at work.

The parents of the apprentice were said to have decided to take him to the hospital for treatment, but he reportedly died before he could be attended to.

It was gathered that when Orunor, master to the apprentice, was intimated of the boy’s demise, he allegedly went into hiding.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Nigeria Police, Sapele Area Command, are said to be on the trail of the fleeing master with a view to arresting him.