No case file yet for suspects in Tanzania’s alarming gang rape incident
Dar es Salaam. The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Tanzania has revealed that it has not yet received the case file concerning five young men accused of raping and sodomizing a girl, reportedly a resident of Yombo Dovya in Dar es Salaam.
A video of the incident circulated widely on social media on Sunday, August 4, 2024, showing the five suspects sexually assaulting the young woman.
In another video, the suspects are heard interrogating the victim, forcing her to apologize to someone referred to as ‘Afande,’ which she did under duress.
However, in a public statement issued on August 9, 2024, Police Spokesperson, David Misime clarified that the incident actually occurred in May 2024 in the Swaswa area of Dodoma.
Misime identified the arrested suspects as Clinton Damas, popularly known as ‘Nyundo,’ Praygod Mushi, Amini Lema and Nikson Jakson.
He said the suspects were apprehended in Dodoma and Coast regions, while the police were still searching for two other suspects who had not yet been arrested at the time.
On Sunday, August 18, 2024, The Citizen’s sister paper, Mwananchi, spoke with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Sylvester Mwakitalu, to inquire about the progress of the investigation and the current status of the case.
Mr Mwakitalu said that so far the case file has not yet reached his desk as the police were still conducting their investigations.
"The investigation is still ongoing, and once the file reaches me, it will only be a matter of completing the investigation. For now, the police are continuing with their inquiries," said DPP Mwakitalu.
When asked about the investigation's progress, the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Ramadhan Kingai, referred the matter to the Dodoma Regional Police Commander and the Police Spokesperson for more accurate information.
"If you want to know the status of the case, you should contact the Dodoma Regional Police Commander or the Police Spokesperson. They will provide the necessary updates," said Kingai.
Dodoma Regional Police Commander, SACP Theopista Mallya, confirmed that the case file has been completed and that she will follow up on Monday, August 19, 2024, to see if it will be forwarded to the court.
She also mentioned that during the investigation, the police found that the accused youths, who were initially suspected of acting on orders, admitted that they were not directed by any officers as previously suggested.
"The investigation revealed that the youths were not acting on orders from any officers; they were merely under the influence of alcohol and drugs. However, the woman in question appeared to be engaged in sex work," Commander Mallya stated.
She further clarified that the term ‘Afande’ is general and could refer to anyone in uniform, including security guards, and therefore, no further clarification was provided.
