A MAN from Gutu allegedly fatally struck his mother with a pestle and then committed suicide following a dispute over her decision to slaughter a hen for his sister, police confirmed yesterday.

Farai Tamanika (32) of Kuchineni Village under Chief Chimombe, allegedly struck Mrs Otilia Sharara (71) four times on the head in protest against her decision to slaughter a hen that had small chicks for his sister who had visited from Zaka.

Masvingo police spokesperson Inspector Charity Mazula said the incident happened on Saturday at around 2PM.

“I can confirm an incident of suspected murder and sudden death by hanging which occurred on Saturday in Chief Chimombe’s area in Gutu. Police investigations are underway to ascertain what exactly transpired,” said Insp Mazula.

Sources said Tamanika arrived home at around 2PM and was irked after he learnt that his mother had killed a hen with small chicks to prepare a meal for his sister.The enraged Tamanika hurled insults at his mother saying she should have gone for the rooster.

“Armed with a pestle, Tamanika swore that someone between him and his mother was going to die because of the slaughtered hen,” said a source.

After realising that Tamanika was serious with his threats, his sister rushed to call neighbours, but while she was away Tamikai allegedly hit his mother four times on the head with a pestle and she died on the spot.

The pair’s bodies were taken to Gutu Hospital mortuary for post-mortem. Walter Mswazie, source-chronicle