The Mzangwa family of Chinangali II Village in Chamwino District, Tanzania, is recounting the horrifying moment their father was killed by his own son in front of family members. The incident has left the community in shock. The son, 57-year-old Saimoni Ndalu, killed his 81-year-old father, Ndalu Mzangwa, in the early hours of Saturday, October 31, 2026, by striking him at the back of the neck with a traditional cutting tool locally known as a hengo.
According to Ndolei Mzangwa, the deceased son, the family had been discussing Saimoni's health concerns before the incident. Saimoni had been complaining of severe stomach pains, and his son, Samweli, was also unwell, prompting their elderly father to sell a cow and give Saimoni Sh1 million to seek medical treatment for himself and his child. The family had planned to pursue further medical tests the following morning.
On the night of the incident, Saimoni's wife, Emmy, awakened Ndolei and his father, saying her husband had been asking the family to look after his children because he believed he was nearing the end of his life. Saimoni repeated his concerns, saying he was unwell, his body ached, and his life was ending. He pleaded with them to take care of his children. During the discussion, Saimoni's wife suggested that he appeared to have lost his mind, but their eldest son, Samweli, defended his father, insisting that he was mentally sound.
While the family was discussing Saimoni's concerns, a heavy thud was heard, and Ndolei saw his father had already collapsed, and his brother was running away. His children tried to pursue him, but because it was dark, they became afraid and instead rushed to help the old man, who unfortunately died at the scene. Saimoni later went to the outskirts of the village, near a hill, where he hanged himself from a tree using a piece of cloth.
The mother of Saimoni, Ms Agnes Mboto, said she was still struggling to understand what had driven her son to commit the killing. She described Saimoni as his father's favourite, who was trusted to manage family money whenever livestock was sold. This was among the reasons he had built his house next to his parents' home. However, she recalled that Saimoni had experienced a brief episode of unusual behaviour during childhood.
Chamwino District Commissioner Janeth Mayanja said the incident had left the community deeply shocked, particularly because of the family's account of Saimoni's previously peaceful conduct. She said the motive had not yet been established. Mayanja condemned the killing of a parent, saying family disagreements should be addressed through forgiveness and reconciliation rather than violence.
The District Commissioner urged families to strengthen communication with their children and encouraged religious leaders to continue promoting love, peace, and reconciliation within communities. The family and the community are now left to pick up the pieces and try to understand the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. The victims will be buried in the same village.
Key points
- A 57-year-old man in Tanzania killed his 81-year-old father with a traditional cutting tool before hanging himself from a tree.
- The family had been discussing the son's health concerns before the incident, and he had been experiencing severe stomach pains.
- The motive behind the killing has not yet been established, but the community is shocked by the incident.
