Lawyer Peter Madeleka. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Shinyanga: A wave of public support is emerging for Lawyer Peter Madeleka and his colleagues as they tackle a high-profile case involving Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Fatma Kigondo.
The police officer is accused of orchestrating a horrific crime in which a young woman from Yombo Dovya, Temeke District, Dar es Salaam, was allegedly raped and sexually assaulted by a group of men.
The case, which was filed on August 20 this year by Lawyer Paul Kisambo at the Dodoma Resident Magistrate's Court, has been assigned case number 0000058901. It involves allegations of severe sexual violence against the victim, with a video of the assault reportedly circulating on social media platforms.
Through his X account, Lawyer Madeleka alerted the public about the case’s upcoming hearing and appealed for contributions to cover the travel expenses for the legal team representing the prosecution. His call for financial support underscores the significant logistical challenges faced by the legal team in pursuing justice.
Just an hour later, Madeleka posted another update expressing concern over the possibility of being unable to travel to Dodoma due to insufficient funds. “Because of a lack of funds, there is a high chance I will be unable to travel to Dodoma for the case against ASP Fatma Kingondo. Let us leave it to God,” he wrote.
This message sparked a surge of public response, with many supporters donating and posting receipts to confirm their contributions, hoping to ensure that the case proceeds as planned.
The case came to light through a detailed post by former Ubungo Mayor, Boniface Jacob, who shared the entire incident on his X page. Jacob also forwarded copies of his post to President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Defence Minister Dr. Stergomena Tax, and Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, Dorothy Gwajima.
Following the widespread dissemination of information, the police detained the individuals accused of carrying out the assault and brought them to court. However, there has been mounting pressure for ASP Kigondo, the officer alleged to have masterminded the attack, to also face judicial scrutiny.
Lawyers, including Madeleka, who label themselves as "advocates for justice," have stepped forward to prosecute the police officer, linking her directly to the brutality of the assault. This case highlights not only the horrific nature of the alleged crime but also raises serious questions about the abuse of power within law enforcement.
The gravity of the case extends beyond the immediate violence against the victim. It implicates a trusted figure in the police force, challenging the integrity of the institution and its role in safeguarding citizens. The involvement of a high-ranking officer in such a crime could undermine public trust in the police and highlight systemic issues within law enforcement agencies. Furthermore, the case brings to light broader concerns about the accountability of police officers and their potential for misconduct.
As details of the case have been aired on major television stations and social media, it has become a focal point of public discourse, reflecting deep-seated anxieties about justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals. The trial of ASP Kigondo is not just about seeking justice for the victim; it is also a critical test of the legal system’s commitment to upholding the law and addressing abuses of power.
The significant public outpouring of support for Lawyer Madeleka and his team highlights the community's demand for transparency and accountability. This case is poised to set a precedent for how allegations of police misconduct are handled and could influence future legal and institutional reforms aimed at preventing such abuses.