Sumbawanga ‘bodaboda’ rider murdered in cold blood

RUKWA: A 36 years old motorcyclist ‘bodaboda’ rider Casiano Laiti, a resident of Mtakuja street, Senga Ward in Sumbawanga Municipality, Rukwa Region was on Sunday night found murdered and dumped by the roadside.

His motorcycle make, Kinglion with registration number MC 173 DEL is believed to have been stolen by two passengers who hired him from Sumbawanga town to the Holy Family area.

The deceased body was found lying in a pool of blood at Holy Family area by the roadside in Kizwite Ward. He was wearing a reflector jacket and his helmet placed beside him.

It was further established that on Sunday mid-night, he ferried two passengers who shared a saddle of motorbike in the style dubbed as ‘mshikaki.’

Rukwa Regional Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Mr Shadrack Masija confirmed the incident, saying preliminary investigations show that the ‘bodaboda’ rider was murdered after he resisted the attackers’ attempt to rob him his motorcycle.

“The attackers used the blunt object to slash him severely on his head and subsequently killed him” added the RPC.

No arrest has been made so far as the duo suspects fled from the scene of incident shortly after committing the crime, we are asking for cooperation from riders. We are asking anyone with information that can lead us to arrest the suspect to share them with us,” emphasised the RPC.

He went on to explain that the body of the deceased was picked up from the scene of incident to the mortuary, pending postmortem.

The father of bodaboda rider, Mr Meriokir Sikale said he was woken around 3:00 am on Monday by two young men who introduced themselves as friends of his son.

“I was shocked to hear that my son was killed in cold blood and robbed his motorbike,” he said.

He further said that his son is survived by a widow and five children. Bodaboda riders based in Sumbawanga municipality have condemned the incident and raised concern over increased attacks especially at night.

They further said that it was fifth incidents reported in the past two months.

“We suspect he was ambushed by either people who know him or his customers. The target was his new motorcycle, which is now missing,” said Sadik Abdallah, a fellow ‘bodaboda’ rider.

“We want security agencies to intensify the night patrols. A gang of ‘bodaboda’ riders are operating in the most cavalier manner leaving a trail of death,” Antony Godluck, a rider said.

Similar sentiment was echoed by another rider, Samson John, saying police should not give these criminals any breathing space and must commit more resources to ensure the safety of people and their properties.

“It is high time the police take deliberate measures to end crimes in our areas once and for all. This could be achieved with regular and routine patrols in different areas in the municipality” said John, a rider.

The Eden B Street local government member, Mr Karisto Kazicha said community policing, which constitutes carrying out basic police functions should not be an option, rather mandatory.

“Police need to cooperate with other authorities and with local residents and communities in maintaining security. Also, our law enforcers must ensure they stop crimes before they happen” he added.

A cross section of citizens who separately interviewed by this paper emphasised that all citizens should say no to criminals and play an integral part in protecting their lives and properties.