A Manicaland woman has been arrested following the tragic death of her three-year-old son in a horrifying incident that has left the Hobhouse suburb community of Zimbabwe in deep shock.
The suspect, 39-year-old Netsai Chikuni, allegedly attacked her son, Ngonidzashe Njerera, in the early hours of November 20, inflicting multiple stab wounds to his head and neck.
Police confirmed that she has since been taken into custody as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
According to Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, Chikuni had arrived at her brother’s house in Hobhouse the previous evening with the child.
The brother, Admire Chilamwita, was away in Chipinge at the time, and tenants at the residence allowed her entry after consulting the landlord.
Nothing unusual was reportedly observed until around 1am when Chikuni began behaving aggressively, moving around the house and knocking forcefully on doors.
Tenants said her conduct was erratic and alarming, but fear prevented them from intervening.
Moments later, distressing sounds were heard from her room, including her shouting at the child and speaking incoherently.
Residents said the situation escalated rapidly, but they were too frightened to intervene directly and instead alerted neighbours and law enforcement once the noise subsided.
Upon arrival, police discovered the child’s lifeless body inside the room, while Chikuni was found nearby with injuries to her hands and legs.
She was immediately apprehended and taken for medical attention before being transferred into police custody.
Witnesses described the suspect as confused and unstable from the moment she arrived, with some expressing concern over her apparent mental state.
Authorities confirmed that she will undergo psychological assessment as part of the investigation.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the otherwise peaceful Hobhouse community, with residents struggling to comprehend the tragic loss of a young life under such circumstances.
Police say further details will be made available as investigations progress.
