KAGERA: A 45-year-old man, Jamal Vicent from Missenyi District in Kagera Region has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for raping and impregnating his daughter, a Standard Seven student.
The Missenyi District Court heard that the offenses occurred repeatedly between 2023 and the previous year.
Missenyi District Magistrate Yohana Muyombo denounced the convict describing him as a beast who did not deserve to live in a civilised society.
Mr Muyombo explained that the five witnesses who testified for the prosecution were trustful and the prosecution side had proved the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
In a separate case, the Kyerwa District Magistrate’s Court sentenced Binamungu Robert and Hashim Said, both 20, to life imprisonment for the rape of a 15-year-old girl.
The convicts are residents of Kamuli Ward’s Ruhita village.
The court was told during hearing of the Criminal case that the offence happened on November 4th, last year.
Before passing the sentence Kyerwa District Magistrate Allen Ifunya denounced the heinous act noting that the prosecution side had proved the Criminal case beyond reasonable doubt.
“The court has a duty to safeguard the welfare of children. This heinous act comes amidst growing concerns about the alarming rise in sexual violence against children, girls and women in Kagera Region. The convicts deserve a severe sentence to deter other persons to commit similar evil acts,” he ruled.
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From January to September 30, 2024, Kagera police received a total of 533 cases related to gender-based violence.
Head of the Gender Desk at the Kagera Regional Police Station, Assistant Inspector of Police Susan Kamwaga noted that approximately 230 of these cases were specifically related to rape.
“Tanzania has one of the youngest populations in the world and we are witnessing a troubling increase in gender-based violence. To tackle these challenges, we need concerted efforts,” she said.
In a separate event, Kagera Regional Commissioner Fatma Mwassa appealed to religious leaders to play a crucial role in restoring moral values and promoting good governance.
Speaking to Muslim worshippers during EidAl Fitr celebrations at the Kaitaba Stadium in Bukoba Municipality on Monday, she emphasised the importance of religious leaders in fostering social unity and combating vices like corruption.
“It is easy for people to be educated in Churches and Mosques about the evils of committing crimes such as rape, drug use, murder, robbery and others,” she stated.
Ms Mwassa assured the religious leaders that the government regards them as important stakeholders and appreciates their contribution in the implementation of its duties.
The government would continue to provide cooperation to you when you need it,” she said.
“The doors are open, we welcome you at any time to give opinions, advice and suggestions to improve the provision of services and conflict resolution in the country,” she said.
Kagera Regional Chairman of the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA), Sheikh Haruna Kichwabuta, urged Muslims to utilise the period following Ramadan for personal transformation and to set positive examples for society.
He appealed to members of the public to coordinate by reporting acts related to gender-based violence for necessary action.
