Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania on September 03, 2024. 

Father arrested for allegedly raping, killing his six-month-old child

The Dodoma Regional Police have arrested Stephen Damas, 38, a resident of Mbuyuni Street in Kizota Ward, Dodoma, on charges of raping and sodomizing his six-month-old child, leading to the child’s death.

Reports indicate that after committing the horrific act, the father abandoned the child at the grandmother’s house. The child was later taken to the hospital, where it was confirmed that she had already passed away.

Speaking to journalists Tuesday September 03, 2024, the child’s mother, Stella Mlewa, stated that the father had taken the child out around 8 p.m. on September 01. She wasn’t initially concerned because he was the child’s father, but she became worried when he took a long time to return.

“I was living with him at home, and on Sunday, there was a celebration at home for the child’s baptism. In the afternoon, I went out to sell fish with the child on my back, and we returned home around 6 p.m. The child was inside, and we stayed until 8 p.m. when he took the child. I thought he was going to the store. When I didn’t see him after some time, I started looking for him. I went to the store, but he wasn’t there, and I checked at the club, but he wasn’t there either,” she explained.

“When I went back the second time, I found a woman, who is my neighbor, talking on the phone. She said she was looking for Mama Eliza and informed me that a child had been found abandoned at the second neighbor’s house.”

Dodoma Regional Police Commander George Katabazi confirmed the incident, stating that the suspect is already in custody for further investigation. “We have arrested the suspect and are continuing with other investigative procedures. We urge the community to keep working with the police to combat gender-based violence and child abuse, as these issues are pervasive,” he said. The police are still investigating the motives behind the suspect’s actions.

Bill to amend 14 laws introduced in parliament

The Bill for the Amendment of Various Laws (No. 2) of 2024 was presented in Parliament in Dodoma, September 3, 2024, with a total of 14 laws expected to undergo various amendments.

While presenting the bill, the Attorney General, Hamza Johari, stated that the bill proposes amendments to eight key laws. These include the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (Cap. 432), the Criminal Procedure Act (Cap. 20), the e-Government Act (Cap. 273), the Immigration Act (Cap. 54), the Land Act (Cap. 113), the Medical Stores Department Act (Cap. 70), the Standards Act (Cap. 130), and the Planning Commission Act (Cap. 127).

Among the proposed changes is an amendment to the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (Cap. 432) to strengthen all aspects of combating human trafficking. Part Four of the bill proposes amendments to the e-Government Act (Cap. 273) to align penalties with the committed offense and prevent individuals from committing or attempting to commit the offense. Section 57 is proposed to be amended to increase penalties for offenses related to removing, destroying, or altering data, electronic records, systems, or devices.

Part Five of the bill proposes amendments to the Immigration Act (Cap. 54) to address shortcomings that have arisen during the law’s implementation. It also suggests amendments to establish provisions regarding special status for foreign nationals of Tanzanian origin, as well as changes to Section 20, which outlines the procedure for taking statements from suspects. Parliament will continue to debate the bill before it is read for the third time and passed.

New WHO Africa Region Director to begin work in February 2025, pledges to strengthen the organization

The newly appointed Director of the World Health Organization’s Africa Region, Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, announced that he expects to begin his duties in February 2025. He emphasized that, until then, he will continue to serve the residents of Kigamboni and reassured those concerned about the parliamentary seat that it remains occupied.

Dr. Ndugulile made these remarks on September 3, 2024, after taking the opportunity to express his gratitude before the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania. He thanked those who supported him, even those with differing opinions, for helping him attain this position.

“I am going to be the Chief Leader of the Health Sector in 47 African countries, serving 1.5 billion Africans. This position is for five years, and if I perform well, I may be re-elected for another five years, making a total of 10 years. My work station will be in Brazzaville, Congo,” he explained.

“Many have been asking when I will start working. International institutions usually allow six months from the time of election until one assumes office. Therefore, I expect to begin my work at the end of February 2025 or March 2025. So, to those questioning whether the Kigamboni seat is vacant, it is not. I am still here, and I sincerely thank everyone who wished me well, as well as those who did not, and everyone who supported me and prayed for me in this matter.”

Dr. Ndugulile, the CCM Member of Parliament for Kigamboni, was elected as the WHO Africa Regional Director on August 27, 2024, becoming the first Tanzanian to hold this position across the entire African continent. He will serve a five-year term starting in February 2025.

Furthermore, Dr. Ndugulile stated that he is committed to improving WHO’s operations in Africa to better serve the nations that benefit from the organization but still face various challenges.

“Africa has made significant strides in the health sector, but challenges remain. We have six years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To succeed, we now need strong leadership and vision to ensure that Africa can achieve substantial progress.”

“We are going to strengthen WHO, ensuring it becomes robust and effectively manages the health sector in Africa, and that countries benefit from this opportunity. Right now, I am in the process of preparing myself, having been given six months to assess the organization, understand how it operates, develop my vision, and ensure that when we start working in March next year, we are on the right track,” Dr. Ndugulile concluded.

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