Trio nabbed over suspected murder of businessmen

SONGEA: THE Tanzania Police Force is currently holding three suspects in connection with the murders of two businessmen, Raymond Hyera and Riziki Mohamed.

Police Force Spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) David Misime, stated that the two businessmen, Raymond Hyera (25), a resident of the Msamala area and Riziki Mohamed (30), a resident of the Mjimwema area, both in Songea Municipality, had been missing since July 31, 2024.

According to DCP Misime, the Songea Police Station received a report about their disappearance on August 3. The police investigation revealed that the businessmen had visited a traditional healer named Mtila Ausi Abdallah, also known as Shehe Mtila, in Tunduru, accompanied by a fellow businessman, Amini Philfoni Sanga (26).

Commander Misime added that the Police Officers arrived at the home of the traditional healer, but they did not find him and were informed that he had left with his uncle named Omary Abdallah since August 3. In the investigation, it was discovered that they had left to Mbinga to see another healer, but when the officers arrived there, they did not find them.

However, further investigations led to the arrest of Shehe Ausi and Omary Abdallah in Dodoma, where they were found in a rented room in the Makole area.

DCP Misime reported that upon interrogation the suspects confessed that the businessmen had come to their home with Amini Sanga seeking traditional medicine to boost their businesses.

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The suspects admitted to giving the two victims a ‘liquid medicine’, which weakened them and eventually the businessmen died.

The suspects then buried the bodies in the Mdinguli forest in Mtangashari village, Tunduru District, and stole 20m/ that belonged to the victims and shared among themselves. DCP Misime revealed further that the suspects led the police to the place where they buried their victims.

Meanwhile, nine people have died and 18 others have been injured in a bus accident in the Mbeya Region. The passenger bus veered off the road, struck a barrier and overturned. Mbeya Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Kuzaga said the accident took place in Itamboleo village, Mbarali District, along the main Mbeya-Njombe Road.

ACP Kuzaga explained that the accident was caused by the negligence of the bus driver, who lost control of the vehicle on a sharp curve, causing it to veer into a ditch, where it hit a barrier and overturned.

The driver, Alfredy Mwidunda (50), a resident of Ubaruku, was arrested and is receiving treatment at Chimala Mission Hospital under police custody and among the nine deceased, six were men, including two children and three were women.

In another development, the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Jumanne Muliro has issued a stern warning to traditional healers in the Mbagala Kuu area, cautioning them against engaging in harmful and misleading practices.

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SACP Muliro reported that some traditional healers have been instructing their clients to commit cruel acts in order to acquire wealth or advance their businesses. SACP Muliro said that the police held a meeting with the healers, offering legal guidance and warning them to cease such practices immediately.

“The police will not hesitate to take strict legal action against traditional healers involved in misleading practices that incite cruelty, including arrest and prosecution,” he stated.

Commander Muliro also revealed that between July and September, courts ruled on several cases involving acts of cruelty. He noted that 16 cases of abuse against young girls were heard, including incidents of rape and sexual assault.