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SMG used in billionaire Msuya's murder found

By  The Citizen Reporter

Media/news company

Mwananchi Communications Limited

Yesterday, the court heard chilling details about the murder of billionaire Erasto Msuya, with witness 12, magistrate Ponsian Claude, revealing a signed confession from the fifth accused, Karim Kihundwa. Kihundwa admitted to shooting Msuya in Orkolili on August 7, 2013, and identified his accomplices as Sharifu (Mohamed), Mredii (Shahibu), and Sadik Jabir (Mnubi).

Witnesses 13 and 14, Elirehema Msuya and Karim Mruma, further corroborated the plot, recalling seeing the seventh accused, Ally Mjeshi, meeting with Msuya at the SG Hotel the day before the murder.

Digital clues lead to breakthrough

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Today's testimony focused on Inspector William Mziu from the cybercrime unit, whose investigation proved crucial in cracking the case. Mziu, informed of the murder while at the Moshi Police Training College, was tasked by the Regional Police Commander (RPC) to analyze the deceased's phones.

While the Samsung held no relevant information, the iPhone revealed a trail of suspicious SMS exchanges between Msuya and the number 0682405323 on August 6th and 7th. These messages, sent at 5 am on August 7th, confirmed a planned meeting at KIA with the sender mentioning his brother being present.

Tracing this number, registered to Motii Mongululu, led to the identification and arrest of the suspects involved. Mziu's report, submitted on September 9th, 2013, marked a significant turning point in the case.

Identifying the Killers

Resuming on January 5th, 2018, the prosecution presented Inspector Bernard Kapusi, the District Police Commander for Moshi. Kapusi, acting on the RCO's orders on October 7th, 2013, conducted an identification parade.

The first witness, Robert Mollel, pointed to Ally Mussa Mjeshi as the killer, and other witnesses like Karim and Issa Mruma confirmed the identification. Issa, upon touching Mjeshi, chillingly declared, "This is the man who came the day before the deceased's death at the SG Resort hotel."

Unearthing the murder weapon

Superintendent of Police Vicent Lyimo's testimony on September 11th, 2013, revealed the discovery of the murder weapon – an SMG rifle. Lyimo, contacted by the RCO, located Said Mohamed Mnubi, who claimed knowledge of his brother Sadik Jabir's hidden belongings – a motorcycle and the SMG.

Following Jabir's directions, they reached the Lang'ata area, where 20 locals assisted in searching the bushes. Joseph Mushi eventually found a black canvas bag containing the weapon, devoid of ammunition but bearing the government property mark 195210520 KJ. Despite defense objections, the court accepted the bag and gun as evidence.

Motorcycle Confirms Suspicions

Lyimo further identified the motorcycle, a King Lion with the number T752 KCB, at the Bomang'ombe area. The court, upon his request, moved to the parking lot to confirm the identification, officially accepting the motorcycle as evidence as well.

Lyimo concluded his testimony by detailing the weapon's handover to the RCO and the motorcycle's transfer to the Bomang'ombe police station. He clarified that the weapon lacked markings due to being with the RCO during the search and estimated the search time to be around 30 minutes in a 10 square meter area.

While unsure if the weapon belonged to the police, Lyimo confirmed its government property status and the lack of prior reports of stolen government firearms.

The investigation into Billionaire Msuya's murder continues, with each piece of evidence bringing the perpetrators closer to justice.

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