Mom fatally stabs son (3)

A horrifying incident shook Hobhouse suburb yesterday morning when a mother allegedly fatally stabbed her three-year-old son in a violent attack.

Police confirmed the arrest of 39-year-old Netsai Chikuni, who is accused of repeatedly stabbing her biological son, Ngonidzashe Njerera, in the head and neck. The incident reportedly occurred after Chikuni discovered her brother Admire Chilamwita's house occupied by tenants in his absence.

Witnesses said tenants attempted to intervene but were unable to restrain Chikuni, who appeared to be in severe distress. She allegedly inflicted wounds on herself in her legs and hands before collapsing beside her son's lifeless body.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, confirmed that Chikuni was in a frenzied state during the attack. Investigations into the motive are ongoing.

According to police reports, the tragic events unfolded after Chikuni and her son visited her brother at House Number 5064, Mushamukadzi section. With her brother away, tenants initially allowed Chikuni access to the house. Around 1 a.m., she reportedly began violently knocking on a bedroom door and shouting at her child, escalating into the fatal attack.

By 4 a.m., neighbors called Chikuni's brother and police after the child had stopped crying. Upon arrival, police found Ngonidzashe with multiple stab wounds and bloodstained kitchen knives nearby, while Chikuni lay beside him with self-inflicted injuries.

One tenant, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the scene as "shocking," saying Chikuni appeared "confused, depressed, and possessed" during the attack. Attempts to restrain her failed as she shouted and assaulted her son, leaving blood splattered across walls and furniture.

The community remains in shock, struggling to comprehend the brutal act. Chikuni is in police custody as authorities continue investigations into this tragic case.