Govt acts against university girls in assault video
DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has vowed to ensure further legal action is taken against university girls who physically and verbally assaulted their fellow student in a video clip that made rounds on social media over the weekend.
Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, issued a statement yesterday expressing her strong condemnation of the incident and confirming immediate legal and social steps have been taken.
In the video clip, the girls are seen at- tacking the victim, while one of the attack- ers is heard blaming the victim for allegedly having a love affair with her boyfriend, identified only by the single name, Mwijaku.
In her statement, Dr Gwajima confirmed that she has already taken swift legal and social steps in response to the incident.
“I have contacted the survivor and connected her with social welfare services, psychological support and the Police Gender Desk, where she will also receive legal assistance to ensure justice is served,” Dr Gwajima said.
She said that her office is coordinating with the administrations of the two involved universities through their respective Gender Desks to initiate disciplinary action against the perpetrators, in accordance with institutional regulations.
The minister is also in communication with the Minister for Education, Science and Technology, as well as the Minister for Home Affairs, to ensure comprehensive action is taken.
The incident came to light after videos circulated widely on social media during the night of April 20, 2024.
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“I received numerous Instagram tags that night, showing a group of female students humiliating another young woman using abusive language, physical assault and other forms of mistreatment—all while filming themselves,” Dr Gwajima said.
“It is deeply disturbing to witness educated young women who should be focused on their studies and joining the fight against gender-based violence using their knowledge and energy to harm one another,” she said.
“This behaviour is completely unacceptable. It violates all moral and legal standards and it degrades not only the victim but the collective dignity of women.”
She further urged students and Tanzanians at all levels to resolve disputes peacefully. “Let us stop settling conflicts by humiliating others,” she said.
“To my fellow women, let’s unite to uphold our dignity and actively fight gender-based violence—not perpetuate it.”
Dr Gwajima reminded the public that no one is above the law. “Let this serve as a warning—the law applies equally to everyone. The actions of these young women will not be overlooked.”
However, when contacted for comment, Police Force spokesperson David Misime said he was not in a position to give any information about the matter and referred the matter to Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Jumanne Muliro, who was not reachable
