Meshaki Daudi (20), a resident of Makanisani Sub-village in Lamadi Ward, Busega District, Simiyu Region, was shot dead by police during a protest at the Lamadi police station on August 21, 2024. The protestors were demanding that the government and the police address incidents of child abductions in the area.
Meshaki Daudi, a recent graduate of Loliondo Secondary School in Arusha Region, was awaiting university admission when he met his tragic death. Simiyu Regional Commissioner Kenani Kihongosi confirmed the young man’s death and stated that three other people were injured. He also announced that the government would cover the funeral expenses and the medical costs for the three injured individuals.
“Yesterday, in our region, we faced a challenge. Citizens held a protest after two children went missing. The citizens blocked roads while investigations were still ongoing,” Kihongosi told reporters on August 21, 2024.
“The police were forced to use tear gas to quell the unrest, but it was not enough, and eventually, the police injured four citizens. By 8 PM, we received reports that one citizen had died. We contacted the police, and it was confirmed to be true,” Kihongosi added.
Residents of Lamadi Ward described the incident, stating that the police had been preventing various internal meetings organized by local leaders to discuss the serious issue of child abductions, some of which have ended with the victims being murdered and their body parts harvested.
“We reported the issue to the police, but they remained silent. Later, a secondary school student was found murdered, and the authorities still remained silent. When problems arise, and we demand meetings with the leaders we elected, the police block them, claiming the district authorities have refused until the regional commissioner arrives. So, are we going to keep dying until the regional commissioner comes here?” lamented Lwangija Nanai, the chairman of Lamadi area traders, when speaking to reporters.
Speaking to journalists after the protests, Busega District Commissioner Faiza Salim said that the police are holding 108 people in connection with the protests, which began early Wednesday morning and disrupted various community activities for over five hours.
Reports of people going missing continue to surface in the country, with security forces being accused of either inadequate response or direct involvement in these incidents. In response to the rising incidents the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance has commenced to investigate the reported disappearances.
Speaking to the press in Dodoma on August 22, 2024, the Commission’s Chairman, Judge Mwaimu, said the investigation aims to identify the causes and perpetrators of these incidents to provide appropriate recommendations to the relevant authorities.
