Same. A 10-year-old primary school pupil married off by relatives to a 20-year-old youth in Ruvu Jiungeni Village, Same District, has been rescued by government authorities after missing classes for an extended period.
The Standard Two pupil at Jiungeni Primary School, the first-born child in her family, was withdrawn from school by relatives to be married off. The exact dowry paid remains unknown.
Speaking about the incident on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Same District Commissioner Kasilda Mgeni said authorities launched an investigation after receiving reports of the child's absence, leading officers to the location where she was being kept.
DC Kasilda said officers found the minor living with the 20-year-old youth as husband and wife.
Both were taken into custody and handed over to law enforcement authorities.
"The government strongly condemns this illegal act by relatives to marry off a 10-year-old child and deprive her of basic rights, including education and a safe environment," said DC Kasilda.
She added that the suspects remained in police custody awaiting further legal action, while urging residents to report similar crimes.
"I urge citizens of Same to continue providing confidential information regarding such inhumane acts occurring in our communities," DC Kasilda said.
The district commissioner issued a stern warning to parents involved in such practices, announcing a crackdown to identify all pupils withdrawn from school for forced marriages.
She emphasised that the State had ensured access to education for all children.
"The stance of the Sixth Phase Government, led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, is to ensure all school-age children attend school. We shall deal firmly with parents who defy government directives," said DC Kasilda, adding that security organs were actively investigating the matter.
Ruvu Ward Councillor Yaigongo Mrutu confirmed that police officers had detained those involved in the incident for legal processing.
"They were living as husband and wife in a remote area. This is a truly shocking incident within our local pastoralist community. A 10-year-old child is far too young," said the councillor.
