Tanzania Appellate Court upholds death sentence for former houseboy
What you need to know:
- Robert was convicted of strangling 10-year-old Theopista on October 15, 2021, while her parents were away on a trip to Chato
Arusha. The Court of Appeal has upheld the death sentence by hanging given to Robert Steven, a former male domestic worker, for the brutal murder of his employer’s child, Theopista Laurent, in Missenyi district, Kagera region.
The ruling, delivered on March 14, 2025, follows an appeal challenging the original conviction and sentence.
Robert was convicted of strangling 10-year-old Theopista on October 15, 2021, while her parents were away on a trip to Chato.
After committing the murder, Robert ransacked the house, stealing items including the child’s mobile phone, clothing, and family photographs.
He then fled to Kiluluma village, Karagwe district, where he was apprehended on October 31, 2021, with some of the stolen property in his possession.
The High Court in Bukoba had initially sentenced Robert to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murder.
Dissatisfied with the verdict, Robert appealed, contesting both the conviction and the sentence.
The appeal case number 742/2023, was heard by a panel of three judges—Stella Mugasha, Abraham Mwampashi, and Paul Ngwembe.
After reviewing the evidence, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal and upheld the death sentence, ruling that the prosecution had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Judge Ngwembe, in delivering the ruling, emphasised the significance of Robert’s confession and the circumstantial evidence.
He noted that Robert had admitted to both the murder and the theft of his employer’s property, which was found in his possession.
The judge referenced previous case law, highlighting that a defendant’s admission of guilt is one of the most compelling pieces of evidence in a criminal trial.
“The prosecution has successfully demonstrated, through Robert’s own admission and supporting circumstantial evidence, that he committed the murder of Theopista Laurent,” Judge Ngwembe said.
“The confession, combined with the recovery of stolen items, leaves no doubt regarding his guilt.”
Robert’s defence at the High Court had involved an unusual claim that he was paid Sh1.5 million by a third party, Laurian Rukiza, to carry out the murder.
