MWE Correspondent
A court in Nzega District, located in Tanzania’s Tabora Region, has sentenced a local farmer to 30 years in prison after finding him guilty of sexually assaulting a young man with mental health challenges.
The landmark ruling, delivered by Senior Resident Magistrate Nasra Mkadam, was intended to serve as a powerful warning to anyone who might exploit people with disabilities.
According to court records, the incident occurred on the night of August 19, 2025, in Mbagwa Ward, when the accused unlawfully entered the home of the victim and committed the offense. After reviewing all evidence, the magistrate said the prosecution had presented a solid case that left no room for reasonable doubt, warranting a severe punishment.
In her remarks, Magistrate Mkadam stressed that such a sentence should remind the public that acts of sexual violence will be met with the full force of the law. She emphasized that the victim’s mental condition made the crime especially cruel and that society must protect those living with mental health challenges.
She also noted that similar cases have been on the rise in Nzega and surrounding districts, warning that the judiciary will continue imposing long prison terms to deter others from committing such offenses. “This punishment is not just for the offender—it is meant to protect the dignity of every vulnerable person,” she said.
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Meanwhile, in a separate case in Maswa District, Simiyu Region, two siblings were convicted of incest after living together as husband and wife and even having a child together. The court sentenced the brother to 30 years and the sister to 20 years in prison under Tanzania’s Penal Code.
The magistrate in that case stated that incest is not only a moral taboo but a serious criminal act that undermines social order and family integrity. The case shocked the local community, sparking discussions about family awareness, sexual education, and the need for more proactive community monitoring.
Both rulings have generated strong public debate, with legal experts and human rights advocates calling for more preventive measures alongside harsh sentences. They argue that awareness campaigns and psychological support systems are crucial to reducing such crimes, particularly those involving individuals with disabilities or complex family dynamics.
The two judgments reflect a growing determination within Tanzania’s judicial system to protect the most vulnerable members of society.
