Tanzanian driver's fate uncertain as compensation demand soars in South Sudan

Dar es Salaam. The fate of Tanzanian driver Juma Maganga (45) remains uncertain as he is being held in South Sudan and has been ordered to pay over Sh938.7 million in compensation for a fatal accident.

He is set to appear in court on March 28, 2025.

The vehicle's owner, Mr Gabriel Kiliki, informed The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, that the case will be heard in a customary court.

He also revealed that the lawyer representing Mr Maganga is demanding $1,000 (approximately Sh2.6 million) in legal fees.

When contacted, Ms Haikael Shishira, the administrative head of the Tanzanian embassy in Uganda, requested more time to investigate the case.

“Let me look into this matter to find out what is happening and who is handling it, then I will get back to you,” she said in a phone call on Friday, March 21, 2025.

However, further attempts to reach her were unsuccessful, as her phone remained unanswered until 5:57 pm.

The case is being managed from Uganda, as Tanzania does not have an embassy in South Sudan.

Meanwhile, Mr Kiliki said the lawyer mentioned that, under customary court practices, the penalty for unintentional manslaughter is 31 cows, which is equivalent to approximately $27,000 (around Sh71.5 million).

Mr Maganga is currently in police custody in Juba, South Sudan, after being involved in an accident that resulted in the death of a pedestrian on February 14, 2025, while he was transporting humanitarian maize aid.

His vehicle and cargo have also been confiscated.

Initially, the deceased's family demanded over Sh925.075 million in compensation from both Mr Maganga and Mr Kiliki.

 “We asked the lawyer what he could do if the penalty is already determined. He said he would try to appeal to the East African Court of Justice once the ruling is issued,” Mr Kiliki explained.

Discussions to finalise the agreement with the lawyer are ongoing, although Mr Kiliki admitted they do not know him well.