What government should do in wake of Dodoma killings

Dar es Salaam. In the wake of a series of mysterious killings in Dodoma, analysts have proposing several ways through which the country could address the situation.

A series of violent killings in Dodoma has left the community in shock and fear. Over the past three weeks, three separate incidents have occurred, with the perpetrators leaving the victims’ homes without stealing any property.

The first incident occurred in Mbuyuni, Kizota Ward, on the night of August 27. Michael Richard, 36, was killed and his wife Agnes Eliah and children Ezra, Witness and Ephrahim Michael were wounded and are receiving treatment at Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital.

On the night of September 5, another brutal killing took place in Muungano A, Mkonze Ward. Mwamvita Mwakibasi, 33, and her 13-year-old daughter, Salma Ramadhan, were murdered and subjected to extreme violence by unidentified assailants.

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The third incident occurred on September 15 in Segu Bwawani, Nala Ward. Milcah Robert, 12, a recent primary school graduate, and Fatuma Mohamed, 20, were found dead in a house.

A 16-year-old girl named Micky, who worked in the household, was also found at the scene, while the family matriarch, Lusajo Mwasonge, 40, was severely injured and is hospitalised.

A retired senior police officer, Mr Jamal Rwambow, emphasised the importance of police-community collaboration in solving crimes.

He noted that crime is a product of society since criminals live within the community.

“The police cannot be everywhere, but the people are. When a community decides to reject crime, the police’s work becomes much easier,” Mr Rwambow said.

He recounted his time as Mwanza Police Commander from 2008 to 2010, during which he successfully tackled the murders of albinos by involving local communities.

The public’s trust in the police provided critical information that helped identify and apprehend the criminals.

“Criminal activity can be curbed when communities refuse to tolerate it and cooperate with the police. The police alone can’t be everywhere, but the people can,” Mr Rwambow said.

When asked why the criminals in these incidents had not taken any valuables, he said that each crime has its own motives, which thorough investigations will eventually reveal.

However, he stressed the importance of preventing crime before it happens and, if it does occur, putting all efforts into finding and prosecuting the perpetrators.

For his part, acting Dodoma Regional Police Commander Anania Amo said they have put strategies in place to combat such crimes, including establishing more police stations across wards.

He added that all citizens have a responsibility to maintain security and that cooperation between the police and the community is key.

Mr Amo stated that after each crime, the police have responded with operations aimed at capturing the criminals involved. He stressed that these operations are targeted and aimed at ensuring justice is served without harming innocent citizens.

Dodoma regional sheikh Mustafa Rajabu Shaban said there is a need for prayers and called on all leaders to work together in identifying and exposing criminals in their communities.

He urged people not to shelter individuals they don’t know well and to report any suspicious behaviour to the authorities, even if it involves close family members.

For his part, Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) national coordinator Onesmo Olengurumwa underscored the surge in human activity in Dodoma, similar to challenges Dar es Salaam encountered.

He noted that population growth has led to undetected crimes.

“These crimes happen unnoticed, fuelling various criminal activities,” Mr Olengurumwa said.

He emphasised the absence of a serial killer, attributing the incidents to varying motives, despite many involving murder and rape.

Tanzania Media Women’s Association (Tamwa) executive director Rose Reuben proposed that timely reports could be crucial in stopping the trend early.

“Authorities need to act promptly on these issues too,” she said.