MWE Correspondent
The High Court of Tanzania has handed down death sentences to three immigration officers found guilty of murdering Enos Elias, a resident of Kakonko District in Kigoma Region, whom they suspected of not being a Tanzanian citizen.
The verdict was delivered on Monday, December 15, 2025, by High Court Judge Augustine Rwizile. The judge said the evidence presented clearly showed that the three accused—Fredrick Kyomo, Joachim Trathizius, and Mabruki Hatibu—carried out the killing alone, without involvement from any other individual or group.
Judge Rwizile explained that the accused apprehended Elias, assaulted him, and then transported him to an undisclosed location, where he was later found dead. “The manner in which the deceased was captured, beaten, and taken to an unknown location before being found dead confirms that the accused acted deliberately,” the judge said.
According to court records, Enos Elias was detained at the Kihomoka checkpoint in Kakonko District on October 27, 2023, and taken to immigration offices for questioning. While in custody, Elias contacted his family, requesting that they bring his identification issued by the National Identification Authority (NIDA) to verify his citizenship.
When his family arrived at the offices to provide the documentation, they were told Elias had already been released on October 28, 2023. Thereafter, he could not be reached, and his phone remained inaccessible. His body was later discovered on October 29, 2023, and buried without the presence of his relatives.
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The case has sparked nationwide concern about human rights, particularly regarding the treatment of detainees and the accountability of law enforcement officers. Legal analysts note that the ruling underscores the importance of due process and the need to prevent abuses of power within public institutions.
Observers also emphasize the significance of protecting citizenship rights, ensuring that individuals suspected of irregularities are treated fairly and according to the law. The case highlights the dangers of arbitrary actions by officials and reinforces the role of legal safeguards in protecting citizens.
For many Tanzanians, especially residents in Kigoma, the verdict is a stark reminder of the judiciary’s role in upholding justice and maintaining public confidence in the rule of law. The case also signals the government’s commitment to ensuring accountability for serious crimes committed by state officials, particularly those affecting the most fundamental rights of citizens.
This ruling is expected to prompt closer oversight of immigration and law enforcement practices to prevent similar tragedies in the future, reinforcing Tanzania’s dedication to justice, transparency, and respect for the law.
