Mwanza police arrest trio allegedly for murder

MWANZA: THE Mwanza Regional Police Force is questioning three people over the alleged killing of a 31-yearold man, Rashid Nyandonga, a resident of Bugando Jeshini in Nyamagana District.

Mwanza Regional Police Commander (RPC) Wilbroad Mutafungwa, told journalists that the suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident.

He identified them as Zongoli Richard Makongoro (38), a militia officer in Mahina Ward and resident of Bugarika; Genge Chacha Mwita (45), a militia officer in Igogo Ward and resident of Kambarage Street; and Ibrahim Chacha Mwita (25), a militia officer in Pamba Ward and resident of Bugando Mission, all in Nyamagana District.

According to the RPC, the incident occurred on March 20 at around 12:45 pm in the Sahara area along Mission Street in Pamba Ward.

RPC Mutafungwa said the officers allegedly suspected the deceased of selling drugs, specifically khat and attempted to apprehend him. The man reportedly fled in an effort to evade arrest.

He said the officers later caught up with him and allegedly found him in possession of 50 grammes of khat. However, at the time of arrest, he was already in distress, breathing heavily and showing signs of severe exhaustion.

“They took him to Sekou Toure Hospital for treatment, but he died while receiving care,” the commander said.

Following the incident, all three officers were arrested for further questioning.

RPC Mutafungwa clarified that the officers were not acting under any authorised joint police operation at the time.

A post-mortem examination was conducted on March 21 at Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital to establish the cause of death.

“The deceased’s relatives were present during the post-mortem, in accordance with procedures, and the body has since been handed over to the family for burial,” he said.

He added that investigations are ongoing and that appropriate legal action will be taken if evidence links the suspects to the death.

The police chief urged militia officers to adhere to proper arrest procedures and called on the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement by reporting crimes and suspicious activities.