Dar es Salaam — Police have arrested a fifth suspect and recovered the missing head of James Temba, a 24-year-old college student whose beheaded body was discovered floating in the Msimbazi River late last month.
Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Jumanne Muliro announced the arrest of 31-year-old Saidi Ali, also known as “Side,” a traditional healer from the Kitunda area in Ilala district.
Following interrogation, Ali led investigators to the Kitunda Kibeberu area, where the victim’s head was found buried underground. The discovery was made possible through a coordinated effort involving pathologists, government chemists, DNA specialists, and cyber experts.
“After a thorough investigation—and by thorough, I mean a professional investigation that also involves other scientific authorities—the missing part of the head from the body of James Rogers Temba has been found,” Commander Muliro told journalists on May 7, 2026.
The arrest of the traditional healer brings the total number of suspects in custody to five. Earlier, police announced the arrests of Stephen Rogers Chaka, 31, a laboratory officer; Anna Frank Lema, 30, known as “Happiness”; Twalibu Hamisi, 23, known as “Mputo”; and Michael John, 26, known as “Tambari.”
READ MORE: Four Arrested in Connection with Murder of 24-Year-Old College Student James Temba
While authorities have not disclosed specific charges, Commander Muliro hinted at the possible motives behind the gruesome killing. He suggested that the involvement of a traditional healer points to witchcraft, while also mentioning that love-related issues might be a factor.
The tragic saga began on April 29, 2026, when Temba, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance student at the Institute of Finance Management (IFM), failed to return home. His father, Rogers Robert Temba, reported that his son’s phone became unreachable just before 8:00 p.m. that evening.
The family’s anxiety deepened the following day when a young woman from a local stationery shop called asking for James, only to abruptly hang up and become unreachable herself. This prompted the family to report him missing at the Tabata Police Station.
On April 30, 2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m., a beheaded body wearing black trousers was discovered floating in the Msimbazi River near the Kipawa area. A disturbing video of the discovery quickly circulated on social media, sparking widespread concern.
The family was eventually directed to the Kurasini police barracks morgue, where they identified the body. Rogers Temba confirmed it was his son, while James’s mother recognised a distinct mark on his hand.
READ MORE: Beheaded Body Found Floating in Dar Confirmed to be 24-Year-Old College Student James Temba
James Temba, the youngest of three children, was described by peers as a soft-spoken individual who avoided conflict. His body was transported to the Kilimanjaro region for burial on May 6, 2026.
The police have condemned the killing as inhumane and urged the public to remain calm as the legal process unfolds. Commander Muliro emphasised that the police are taking the matter seriously and that the case will proceed to the courts of law.
“The police force, under this government, takes the issue of life or the loss of a person’s life with great seriousness,” Muliro stated. He also cautioned the public against spreading misinformation that could hinder the investigation or cause unnecessary panic.
