Tanzania: Arusha man allegedly kills wife amid marriage dispute

Arusha. Police in Arusha have detained 48-year-old Godlisen Anandumi Lema, a resident of Lekitatu village in Usa River Ward, on suspicion of murdering his wife, Ester Massawe, 40, in an alleged domestic dispute.

The incident, reportedly sparked by Lema's desire to marry another woman, involved a fatal assault with a blunt object.

According to police, the incident occurred on the morning of November 9, 2024, at the couple’s home in Usa River, Arumeru District.

Following the attack, Lema allegedly locked his wife’s body in a room and later surrendered to Usa River Police Station.

Arusha Regional Police Commander SACP Justine Masejo confirmed the incident on November 11, 2024, stating that the deceased’s body is being held at Mount Meru Hospital mortuary, and that Lema is in custody pending further investigation.

“The suspect came to the station, confessed to the killing, and led us to the scene where he showed us the weapon he used,” said Commander Masejo.

Lekitatu village chairperson Daudi Mungure, who was called to the scene by the police, reported that Lema demonstrated how he committed the act, allegedly using a club found in a cattle shed.

"The body was found with multiple injuries on the head," Mungure said, adding that the couple had a history of conflict, including a recent court case where Lema sought a divorce to marry another woman, which had been denied.

Merry Nyiti, a close friend of the deceased, revealed that tension between the couple began when Ester was unable to bear more children. Lema then moved in with another woman and filed for divorce, seeking to divide their property, but returned to his wife after the court denied his petition.

Nyiti, who visited the scene, described finding severe head injuries and blood on the mattress.

In response, Lema’s brother, Joshua Lema, condemned the violence, saying the family did not support such actions.

Neighbour Evance Muria urged couples facing disputes to prioritise safety, underscoring the recent rise in violent incidents involving domestic conflicts.