MWE Correspondent
The Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court in Kinondoni has sentenced four men to seven years in prison each after finding them guilty of attempting to kidnap a local businessman, an incident that shocked the public after it was captured on video and went viral on social media.
The court, presided over by Resident Magistrate Yusto Luboroga, found Fredrick Nsato, a bus agent at Magufuli Bus Terminal, and his co-accused — Benki Mwakalebela (40), also a bus agent, Isack Mwaifuani (29), and Bato Tweve (32) — guilty of attempting to force businessman Deogratius Tarimo into a vehicle during the November 2024 incident.
The video, which spread rapidly across platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp, showed Tarimo struggling with several men as he screamed for help, shouting that he was being kidnapped. The attempted abduction was thwarted when bystanders rushed to his aid, forcing the suspects to flee the scene. Police later tracked down and arrested six people linked to the incident.
In delivering the judgment, the court said the evidence presented — including witness statements and the viral footage — proved beyond doubt that the four accused had planned and executed the abduction attempt. Magistrate Luboroga emphasized that such acts undermine public safety and trust in society, noting that the sentences serve as a strong warning to others who might attempt similar crimes.
Two other suspects, Nelson Elimusa (24), a taxi driver, and Anita Temba (27), were acquitted after the court found insufficient evidence to convict them. Their release underscored the court’s commitment to fair trial principles and the standard of proof required in criminal cases under Tanzanian law.
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During sentencing, the magistrate stated that the actions of the convicted men endangered both the victim’s life and public order. “The accused caused unnecessary fear to the community,” he said. “The court cannot tolerate such behavior, especially when innocent citizens are targeted for abduction.”
The case sparked national debate about the growing number of kidnapping incidents in urban areas, with many calling for stricter enforcement and improved surveillance systems. Public outrage was intensified by the video’s wide circulation, which highlighted how ordinary citizens often become the first line of defense in protecting victims from violent crimes.
Legal experts praised the court for moving swiftly to deliver justice, noting that the ruling could deter similar crimes in the future. However, they also urged the government to strengthen community policing efforts and address the underlying social and economic factors that fuel such incidents.
As the four convicts begin their prison sentences, residents of Dar es Salaam say they hope the ruling sends a clear message that violence and intimidation have no place in society. For many, the verdict marks not only justice for the victim but also a moment of renewed faith in Tanzania’s judicial system — one that continues to evolve amid growing demands for accountability and transparency.
