New twist in gang rape saga
DODOMA: FOUR people, including a member of the Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces (TPDF) named Clinton Damas, appeared before the Dodoma Resident Magistrate’s Court at the Integrated Justice Centre (IJC) on Monday, facing two counts of gang rape and carnally knowing a girl against the order of her nature.
The other accused persons are Prisons Officer Praygod Mushi and two civilians, Amin Lema and Nickson Jackson. They were arraigned before Resident Magistrate in Charge Zabibu Mpangule and denied the charges, which are alleged to have been committed between May 25 and 26, 2024, within the capital city of Dodoma.
The accused persons were sent to remand prison after being denied bail.
The hearing of the case began yesterday since the prosecution has already completed the investigation into the trial.
Journalists were not allowed to attend the trial because it is being heard in camera in accordance with the law, the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA).
Speaking outside the courtroom at IJC premises, Assistant Director from the Director of Public Prosecutions Office Headquarters Dodoma, Renatus Mkude, explained that the court has ordered the protection of the victim’s identity to avoid embarrassment.
“The accused persons have denied the charges, but due to the sensitivity of the matter, they will remain in custody,” he said.
He disclosed that since the investigations into the trial have been completed, the matter will be heard consecutively until Friday.
“We believe justice will be served according to the law. The Office of National Prosecutions will ensure justice is done. I appeal to the public to remain calm and allow the law to take its course,” the trial attorney said.
The accused persons were arrested by the police on August 6, 2024, following a video clip that went viral on social media two days before, showing five people assaulting a girl after accusing her of having an affair with someone’s husband.
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Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Commissioner of Police (CP) Camillius Wambura, has revoked the appointment of Dodoma Regional Police Commander (RPC) Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Theopista Mallya.
This decision came shortly after the Tanzania Police Force distanced itself from a controversial statement attributed to SACP Mallya regarding a recent gang rape incident in Dodoma Region.
According to a statement issued yesterday by Police Force Spokesperson Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) David Misime, SACP Mallya has been transferred to the Police Headquarters in Dodoma. Her former position will now be filled by Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) George Katabazi.
The controversy erupted when SACP Mallya allegedly suggested in a statement that the victim of a recent sexual assault in Dodoma was a prostitute. This remark drew widespread condemnation and outrage.
“During an interview with local media about the gang rape incident that recently went viral on social media, SACP Mallya was reportedly quoted referring to the victim as a sex worker,” reads part of the police statement.
DCP Misime clarified that while SACP Mallya’s comments may have been misinterpreted from her phone conversation with a Mwananchi Newspapers journalist, they do not reflect the official stance of the Police Force.
“The statement reported by the media does not represent the Force’s position. The official and accurate statements have been provided by the Police Spokesperson on August 4, 6 and 9, 2024,” the press release stated.
The Police Force has extended its apology to the public for any inconvenience caused by the controversy.
The case in question involves a brutal sexual assault that occurred in the Swaswa area of Dodoma city in May 2024. The incident gained significant attention after images of the assault began circulating on social media in early August, prompting calls for stronger action against the perpetrators.
The police have since condemned the sexual violence incident and assured the public that investigations are ongoing. The investigation has led to the identification and rescue of the victim, who is now receiving appropriate care.
Further inquiries revealed that the assault did not take place in Dar es Salaam as initially reported, but rather in the Swaswa area of Dodoma.
Police have made several arrests related to the crime. Four suspects involved in planning and executing the gang rape—Clinton Damas, alias ‘Nyundo’; Praygod Mushi; Amini Lema and Nikson Jackson—were apprehended in Dodoma and Coast regions.
In another development, four suspects were arrested in Dar es Salaam for allegedly distributing related images on social media, which is illegal. These suspects are Frora Mlombola, Aghatha Mchome, Madatha Budodi and James Paulo.
Four more suspects were detained for spreading false information, including fabrications about the victim’s death and the death of her mother. These suspects—Amos Lwiza, Adam Dongo, Venance Mallya and Isack Elias—were arrested in Arusha and Dar es Salaam.
