Trio arrested for murders in Morogoro

MOROGORO: POLICE in Morogoro Region have arrested three suspects linked to separate murder cases in Gairo, Kilosa and Kilombero districts, with investigations pointing to motives driven by jealousy, domestic violence and robbery.

Among the suspects is Faraji Mwandanda (30), a bus tout at the Kibaoni Bus Terminal in Ifakara, Kilombero District, who is accused of killing his wife, Florenciana Kamunaralo (38), a ticket collector at the same terminal.

According to Morogoro Regional Police Commander (RPC), Alex Mkama, the incident occurred on the night of July 10, following a heated quarrel, during which the suspect accused his wife of having affairs with colleagues.

“Mwandanda allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times with a sharp object and left her body inside their home. The crime came to light the following night after she failed to answer calls or report to work, prompting neighbours to check on her and discover her lifeless,” said RPC Mkama.

Police launched a manhunt and arrested Mwandanda at Sakamaganga Village, Ifakara, as he prepared to flee to Arusha and preliminary investigations suggest that the motive was jealousy.

In a separate incident in Kilosa District, Mayunga Mayunga (34), a farmer from Kitete, is accused of murdering Halifa Abdallah (19), a bodaboda rider from Msowero Village.

“On July 2, Mayunga hired Halifa to transport him to Kife Village on an unregistered motorcycle. During the ride, Mayunga attacked and fatally wounded Halifa with a sharp weapon before fleeing toward Singida Region,” said RPC Mkama.

He said that while hiding in Manyoni District, Mayunga was involved in a traffic accident and sustained serious injuries.

He was admitted to Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital, later transferred under police custody to Morogoro Regional Hospital and eventually referred to Muhimbili National Hospital for advanced care and died while undergoing treatment.

Another suspect, David Makau (35), a farmer from Chigela Ward in Gairo District, was arrested for the murder of Wilson Simioni (38), an entrepreneur from Ukwamani.

The incident occurred on June 23 in Ihenje Village, where Makau allegedly struck Simioni with a blunt object as he rode his motorcycle, causing him to fall.

RPC Mkama said, “He then attacked the victim further, leading to his death and stole cash and other belongings before fleeing to Sultan Area, Morogoro Municipality, where he was later found hiding with a mistress.”

In another case, police are investigating the murder of Restuta Warera (50), a farmer from Efatha, Manzese B Street, in Kilosa Town, who was allegedly killed by her husband, James Lugembe (55), on July 13 and suffered multiple stab wounds.

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RPC Mkama said the couple had ongoing conflicts, with the husband accusing his wife of neglecting the family, while she claimed the husband was a habitual drunkard.

After the attack, Lugembe attempted suicide by ingesting poison and remains hospitalised under police guard.