Joseph Isangura
A young man, Meshack Daudi Paka, 21, tragically lost his life after being shot during a police intervention in Lamadi, Busega District, Simiyu Region.
The incident occurred as police attempted to disperse a crowd of residents who were protesting the regional government’s handling of a series of child abductions and disappearances in the area. The demonstrators accused the police of failing to take sufficient action to address these alarming incidents.
According to reports, the situation escalated when residents, frustrated by the lack of progress in the investigation into the missing children, took to the streets to demand immediate government intervention. The protest quickly turned chaotic as demonstrators blocked roads and hurled stones at passing vehicles, creating a hazardous environment for travelers.
In response, the police deployed tear gas in an attempt to control the crowd. However, tensions continued to rise, and in the ensuing chaos, four residents were injured, one of whom was Meshack. Unfortunately, Meshack succumbed to his injuries, with his death being confirmed later in the evening.
Meshack’s family, devastated by the loss, spoke of his bright future and the vital role he played in their household. His mother shared that Meshack had recently completed his secondary education with distinction, achieving a Division One in his final exams.
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He was eagerly preparing to begin his university education. She also recalled how he would assist with various household chores, including making bricks. On the day of the incident, he had told her, “Mama, prepare the food; I’ll be back to eat,” only for her to later receive the heartbreaking news that her son had been shot.
Regional Commissioner Kenan Kihongosi, addressing the media, confirmed the tragic incident and expressed his condolences to the family. He explained that the police were forced to intervene due to the escalating violence during the protest, which posed a significant threat to public safety. “Yesterday, our region faced a challenge as citizens staged a protest after two children went missing. The situation became dangerous as stones were thrown at vehicles, endangering travelers. The police had to use tear gas to control the situation, but unfortunately, it led to the injury of four individuals. By 8 p.m., we received confirmation that one of the injured, Meshack, had passed away,” Kihongosi said.
As investigations continue into both the missing children and the circumstances surrounding the protest, the community is left grieving the loss of a promising young life. The incident has sparked widespread calls for greater accountability and action from both local authorities and the police force, with many questioning the use of force in handling the protest.
The government is now under pressure to not only solve the cases of the missing children but also to address the concerns raised by the residents about safety and security in the region.
The family, still reeling from the sudden loss, has urged the authorities to ensure that justice is served, not just for Meshack, but for all the children who have gone missing in the region. As the community mourns, the demand for answers and accountability continues to grow.
