Kilwa political tragedies: MP fractures leg, aspirant killed in road accident

“We indeed admitted the Kilwa MP, and he remains under close medical supervision,” said Mr Mvungi, adding: “He is in stable condition after undergoing surgery.”

MP recounts accident

Speaking by phone from his hospital bed, Mr Ndulane said he fell into a vehicle inspection pit at the Kilwa Masoko Development College, where the CCM vetting exercise was taking place.

“It was around noon. I was on the phone and didn’t realise there was a pit in front of me. I tore a thigh ligament, and the impact caused a fracture,” he said.

He described the pit as approximately two metres long and typically used by mechanics when servicing vehicles.

Expressing gratitude for the care he had received, Mr Ndulane said, “I’m doing well now and thank God for the excellent treatment I’ve been receiving.”

He underwent surgery on July 7, a day after his admission, and began light physiotherapy the following day, under medical supervision.

“God is good, I hope to be discharged in the next few days,” he added.

CCM confirms incident

The ruling party’s Lindi Regional Publicity Secretary, Mr Patrick Magarinja, confirmed that Mr Ndulane sustained injuries during the vetting session at Kilwa Masoko.

“He was waiting for his turn to be interviewed when he accidentally fell into a pit while speaking on the phone,” said Mr Magarinja.

He added that the MP was initially treated at a nearby health facility before being transferred to the MOI in Dar es Salaam for specialised care.

Eyewitness account

An eyewitness at the scene, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the incident occurred between 10 am and 11 am.

“The MP was walking while on the phone, apparently unaware of the pit ahead. People around him were shouting warnings, but it seems he didn’t hear them,” said the witness.

“I saw it happen in real time. His attention was on the phone call. We shouted, but he didn’t stop. He fell into the pit and was badly injured—his leg bone was even visible,” added the witness.

Parliamentary hopeful dies

In a separate incident, a teacher and parliamentary aspirant, Mr Mustapha Rumeze, died in a road accident while travelling to Kilwa to collect nomination forms for the upcoming CCM primaries.

Rufiji Regional Police Commander, Mr Protas Mutayoba, confirmed the incident.

Commander Mutayoba said the accident occurred in the Kibiti area when a Toyota Land Cruiser carrying Mr Rumeze and other passengers suffered a rear tyre burst, causing the vehicle to veer off the road.

“Yes, the accident took place about two weeks ago. The deceased was among several passengers in the vehicle. While others sustained injuries, Mr Rumeze died while receiving treatment at Mchukwi Hospital,” he said.

A CCM official in Kilwa, who requested anonymity, said the crash occurred on the night of June 29, 2025, as Mr Rumeze was travelling to Kilwa to formally submit his nomination forms for the parliamentary seat.

“Indeed, Mr Rumeze passed away just two days before he was expected to announce his candidacy,” said the officer.

“His death is a great loss to us as CCM members, and especially to the youth who looked up to him,” added the source.