Mother and 3-year-old killed in Chihota

Police have launched a manhunt for a 35-year-old man who allegedly killed his mother and a three-year-old relative following a dispute over groceries in Chihota on Sunday.

Blessed Gatsi allegedly strangled his mother, Rudo Ukama, 74, before fatally throwing the young child against a wall. He reportedly fled the scene and remains at large.

National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the two murders, saying Gatsi had travelled from South Africa and arrived at his village on Sunday night with his children.

According to police, a misunderstanding broke out between Gatsi and his mother before the alleged attacks occurred.

"The Zimbabwe Republic Police confirms two murder cases involving a woman and a child in Chihota Village," Nyathi said.

"The suspect, who is the biological son of the now deceased, escaped after committing the offences."

Police have appealed to members of the public with information that could assist in locating and arresting Gatsi to come forward.

Gatsi remains a suspect, and the allegations have yet to be tested in court.