Son, allegedly, kills mother over inheritance dispute in Moshi

Moshi. In the quiet village of Okaseni in Uru South Ward, Moshi District, Kilimanjaro, a tragic scene unfolded that has left the community in deep sorrow and disbelief.

A 74-year-old woman, Adela Mushi, met a horrific end on the night of September 23, allegedly at the hands of her own son.

This heartbreaking incident has shaken the village to its core, raising painful questions about the bonds that should have been sacred.

The suspect, 54-year-old Nemes Dominic, now sits in police custody, accused of the unthinkable—murdering his mother in a dispute over family inheritance.

The Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander Simon Maigwa, confirmed the arrest following the chilling discovery of Ms Mushi's lifeless body inside her modest home by a neighbour.

Her body, lying face down on the cold floor with a piece of fabric tied around her neck, bore witness to the violence that had erupted in the silence of that fateful night.

“At approximately 10 PM on the night of September 23, Adela Mushi was killed after being struck on the head with a blunt object and then strangled with a piece of fabric,” recounted Commander Maigwa, his voice heavy with the weight of a story that no one should ever have to tell.

The village chairman, Alphonce Mtaresi, was among the first to arrive at the scene.

What he encountered was a sight too grim to forget.

"Her body lay motionless on the floor, her left cheek deeply wounded, the gash running near her eye from what seemed to be an axe blow. It was as if all the life, all the warmth that she had given to this world, had been brutally snatched away in one violent moment," he described with a shaky voice.

The harrowing history behind this tragedy paints a picture of a son, allegedly, consumed by greed and desperation.

For years, Nemes had reportedly harassed his mother over his share of the inheritance left by his late father.

Ms Mushi, determined to do right by all her children, refused to divide the family’s land and assets without the presence and consent of all family members.

This prudent decision only seemed to fuel Nemes's anger, as he continuously demanded his portion, unyielding in his pursuit.

Local authorities had intervened multiple times over the years, attempting to mediate the family conflict.

"We took him to the police on several occasions when he threatened his mother's life," revealed Chairman Mtaresi.

"She tried so hard to make him understand, to be patient, but he wouldn’t listen. It was as if he had been blinded by something darker than any of us could reach."

In the aftermath of this senseless act, the village has been left to grapple with its pain and loss.

Many remember Ms Mushi as a gentle soul who harboured no malice toward anyone.

"She was loved by many and had no conflicts with anyone. Her tragic death has left us heartbroken, especially given the prolonged distress her son had caused her," he said.

As the investigation continues, her body has been taken to Mawenzi Regional Hospital for further examination, while the community mourns and waits for justice to take its course.