Tanzania: Mbulu Court guard, another man arrested for stealing bull meant for court ceremony

Mbulu. A guard at the Mbulu District Court and another resident of Haydom Division have been arrested over the theft of a bull intended for the inauguration of a new primary court building in Haydom, Manyara Region.

The bull, purchased to be slaughtered at the inauguration ceremony, was reported stolen on November 6, 2024, just days before the event.

Speaking about the incident, Mbulu District Magistrate-in-Charge, Johari Kijuwile, said the bull had been bought specifically for the court ceremony but disappeared shortly after its purchase.

“We had bought the bull for the event, but then received word that it had been stolen,” Magistrate Kijuwile said. “With the help of local residents in Haydom, we tracked down the bull to a man’s home. The man claimed he was asked to keep it temporarily.”

Magistrate Kijuwile confirmed that two suspects are now in custody, including the court guard, who has yet to be named. Legal procedures are being prepared.

Mbulu District Commissioner Veronica Kessy, who also serves as the Chair of the District Security Committee, said on Monday that she had not yet received an official report but was aware of the incident through the news.

"I’ve yet to receive a formal update, as I was away and only returned last night. I’ve only heard about it in the media,” said Commissioner Kessy.

Community elder Januari Marko, who participated in the search effort, strongly condemned the theft, saying that he and other local leaders, along with the court officials, took swift action to locate the missing bull.