Tinotenda Hove – A Fort Rixon father is in police custody after allegedly killing his two-year-old son in a horrific attack triggered by a paternity dispute. The disturbing incident has left the rural Matabeleland South community in deep shock.

According to police reports, the accused, Israel Chisongo, confronted his wife, Martha Moyo, during a heated altercation in which he accused her of being unfaithful and claimed the child was not his.

The argument quickly spiraled into unimaginable violence. Witnesses allege that Chisongo grabbed the child from his mother, laid the boy on the ground, and viciously attacked him—stabbing and dismembering the toddler, reportedly cutting open the child’s stomach.

The savage act has left the community stunned and grieving. Many residents of Fort Rixon say they are struggling to process the brutality of the crime, especially given the age and innocence of the victim.

“This is beyond heartbreaking. We cannot understand how a father could do this to his own child,” said one shocked villager who asked not to be named.

Matabeleland South Police Spokesperson, Inspector Chiratidzo Dube, confirmed the arrest. “The suspect is in custody, and investigations are ongoing,” she said. “We urge members of the public to seek counselling and conflict resolution mechanisms in the face of domestic disputes. Violence is never the answer.”

Chisongo is expected to appear in court soon as authorities continue gathering evidence in preparation for prosecution.