Church suspends Priest linked with toddler’s murder
KAGERA: THE Catholic Diocese of Bukoba has suspended Father Elipidius Rwegoshora from pastoral duties following allegations that he was involved in the murder of a child with albinism, Asimwe Novart.
Bishop Jovitus Mwijage of the Catholic Diocese of Bukoba stated that the suspect, a priest in his diocese, has been suspended from all pastoral services until his case is addressed by law enforcement agencies.
The decision was announced in an interview with Kiongozi newspaper, published by the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) in its June 21-27, 2024 issue.
“We are saddened by the news of Asimwe’s murder, as the Catholic Church is the first guardian of human life. We pray for her family and for her soul to find peaceful rest in heaven,” Bishop Mwijage expressed.
“It is true that the priest is from the Bukoba Catholic Diocese, and we have decided to suspend him from providing all pastoral services until his case is handled by law enforcement agencies,” he explained.
Bishop Mwijage added that once law enforcement agencies have completed their investigation, the church will follow up with its own procedures.
Police Spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) David Misime, stated on Wednesday that nine suspects had already been arrested in connection with the incident.
The suspects include Novart Venant, the father of the albino child, Desidery Evarist, a witchdoctor and Elpidius Rwegoshora, an Assistant Parish Priest at Bugandika.
Others are Dastan Kaiza, a resident of Bushagara village, Faswimu Athuman, Gosbert Archard, and Rweyemamu Burchard, all residents of Nyakahama village, as well as Ramadhan Celestine and Nurdin Hamada, residents of Kamachumu village in Muleba District.
On Thursday, Kagera Regional Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Blasius Chatanda, informed the ‘Daily News’ that the investigation into the abduction and killing of a two-year-old child with albinism was ongoing.
He mentioned that the nine suspects arrested in connection with the incident would be arraigned once all investigation procedures are completed. He also stated that the police were searching for additional suspects related to the incident.
According to the police, the incident occurred on May 30 this year at around 8:30 pm in Bulamula village, Kamachumu Ward.
A group of unknown individuals abducted the toddler with albinism, identified as Asimwe Novart, who was two and a half years old.
“The decomposed body of the missing child was discovered on June 17 this year, wrapped in a plastic bag and dumped along LuhangaMakongora road in Muleba District, with some body parts missing.”
