Tanzanian driver arrested in South Sudan, Sh938 million demanded for his release

Maganga, who was driving a truck loaded with maize aid for South Sudan, is accused of striking the man on 14 February 2025, in Juba.

Since the incident, both the vehicle and its cargo have been impounded, and hopes for Maganga’s release have diminished as the compensation figure continues to rise.

Speaking to Mwananchi, a sister publication of The Citizen, the vehicle’s owner, Gabriel Kiliki, said that initially, the deceased’s father requested compensation of $3,200 (Sh8.47 million) for Maganga’s release. However, Kiliki revealed that by 16 March 2025, the demand had ballooned to 213.06 million South Sudanese pounds (over Sh938.71 million).

Documents obtained by Mwananchi show that this increased amount includes funeral expenses and further compensation for the family. A breakdown of the claim shows that 161.5 million South Sudanese pounds is demanded for the family, with additional amounts covering funeral costs and other expenses.

Kiliki told Mwananchi that securing bail for Maganga has proven challenging, and he is now seeking legal representation to ensure the case is formally heard in court. The vehicle owner has been in constant communication with Maganga’s son, who was working as a conductor on the truck at the time of the incident.

“The cargo remains on the truck, and they have refused to offload it,” Kiliki explained. “We even approached the World Food Programme (WFP) for help with unloading, but they declined. They’ve now said that if we do not pay, my truck will be handed over to the deceased’s family.”

Despite sending over Sh1 million to the police officers holding Maganga, Kiliki claims that the authorities continue to demand more money without fulfilling their promises. He is now in contact with Sudi, Chairman of the East African Truck Drivers Association, to help mediate with the police in Juba.

Government response

The Citizen reached out to the Director of Communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ms Mindi Kasiga, for an update. She directed inquiries to the Ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Sheiba Bulu, who advised Kiliki to submit a formal complaint to the Ministry for assessment.

Kiliki confirmed that he had already submitted the complaint to the Ministry’s office in Dodoma and that officials had assured him of their assistance.

Maganga’s wife, Rehema Mongi, expressed distress over the situation, revealing that both her husband and their son were assaulted by locals before being taken to a health facility and later imprisoned. She stated that despite sending money in response to the police’s demands, Maganga’s release has not materialised.

“Whenever my son brings the money to the police station, they say the officer in charge is unavailable, either off duty or on leave,” Mongi lamented. She also raised concerns over discrepancies in the police report, pointing out that while they were informed the deceased was a man, the police records listed them as a woman.

“We appeal to the government to intervene and save our fellow Tanzanian. I’ve been told that my husband is severely injured and in poor health, yet he remains in custody. We are struggling as a family. We’ve paid more than once, but this new demand is simply unaffordable,” she added.

Maganga is a father of six, two of whom are financially independent. His family remains deeply concerned about his future, with the mounting compensation demands threatening their financial stability.

When contacted, Hassan Dede, Chairman of the Truck Drivers Association, explained that while they were aware of the situation, they could not intervene because Maganga was not a registered member of the association. He emphasised the importance of membership, stating that members who faced similar challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo received immediate assistance due to their affiliation.

“We urge drivers to join the association so that we can help in such situations,” Dede said. “Unfortunately, we have no detailed information about Maganga or his employer, making it difficult to assist. Had he been a member, we would have all the necessary details.”

As the situation continues to unfold, Maganga’s family, along with his employer, awaits a resolution, with the intervention of the Tanzanian government appearing to be their last hope.