Tanzanian former Regional Commissioner held by Police over sexual assault allegations

Mwanza. The Police Force in Mwanza region is holding the former Regional Commissioner (RC) of Simiyu, Dr Yahya Nawanda, on suspicion of sodomizing a university student from one of the universities in Mwanza.

The arrest of Dr Nawanda was announced today, Thursday, June 13, 2024, by the Regional Police Commander of Mwanza, Wilbroad Mutafungwa.

According to Commander Mutafungwa, the force continues to detain Dr Nawanda for questioning regarding the allegations, while thorough investigations are underway concerning evidence related to the incident. Equally, the car that he used during the said incident has also been impounded by the Police.

On Tuesday, this newspaper, through its sources, narrated the encounter between a regional commissioner and a university student.

On the same President Samia Suluhu Hassan revoked the appointment of Dr Nawanda as Regional commissioner for Simiyu.

 It was reported that the suspect initiated a relationship with the student in January 2024 in Mwanza.

Their first meeting occurred at a birthday party where the suspect was reportedly the guest of honor. They exchanged contacts and began communicating regularly via phone calls.

According to a source, during their initial encounter, the official proposed unnatural sexual acts, which the student declined.

Despite her refusal, the official persisted, promising a better life for her.

On the day of the incident, sources claimed the suspect employed various tactics to coerce the student into meeting him at a famous hangout joint in Mwanza.

"After some time, he suggested they continue their conversation in his car, citing important matters to discuss. It was there that he insisted on unnatural sexual acts," hinted one source.

Another source from a government office in Dodoma alleged that the official fulfilled his desires after reaching his car parked in the club's lot.

"It's reported that the student didn't consent. She felt intimidated, knowing him as an honorable figure, and fearing his authority," said another source.

"It seems this was his strategy after facing rejection. He then resorted to forcibly undressing and assaulting her," suggested another source.

Yet another source claimed that both the official and his car were captured by security cameras from their arrival at the club to their departure at 12am, with clear visibility of the registration numbers.

The CCTV footage showed the student entering the car at 8:48pm and leaving approximately 30 minutes later.

At 12:24am, the car was spotted at the exit gate, with identifiable registration details. The driver, wearing a cap-like hat, paid the parking fee before leaving.

Reports suggest that on June 3 of this year, a day after the assault, the student reported the incident at the Police Gender and Children's Desk in Mwanza.

She was heard and subsequently taken to a major city hospital for examination.