Tanzania police hunt traditional healer linked to student’s death

Arusha. Police in Manyara Region are hunting for a traditional healer alleged to have provided misleading divination that led to the killing of a Form Four student, Yohana Konki (17), at Qash Secondary School in Babati District.

The student is reported to have been assaulted to death by fellow students on 16 August 2025 after being accused of stealing a tablet.

Manyara Regional Police Commander, SACP Ahmed Makarani, told The Citizen on Monday that the healer fled with his family and belongings soon after the incident.

“The healer escaped the same day after hearing that his divination had caused problems. We are still investigating and searching for him, and we believe he will be found,” he said.

Commander Makarani confirmed that 11 students remain in custody over the incident. Two others were released after evidence cleared them of involvement.

“One was not at school on the day of the incident. The other was passing by on his motorcycle when the attack occurred. His motorbike was actually used to rush the victim to hospital. He is not a suspect at this stage,” he explained.

Police say the tragedy began when two students who had lost a tablet consulted the traditional healer, who allegedly pointed to Yohana as the thief.

“After returning from the healer, they accused him of the theft. When he denied it, they beat him to death,” said Commander Makarani.

He urged the school administration to install CCTV cameras to help prevent similar incidents.

“Had there been cameras on the premises, the students could have identified the culprit instead of relying on misleading divination,” he said.

Yohana’s aunt, Elizabeth Konki, said the family had been left devastated, lamenting that her nephew’s dreams had been cut short by an undeserved death.

A student witness, Hassan Juma, claimed that the attackers beat Yohana with sticks after being told by the healer that he was responsible for the missing device.