Police Force's spokesperson, David Misime. Photo: File
By Adonis Byemelwa
A chilling and grotesque discovery has rocked the region of Singida, Tanzania, where police have uncovered a series of ritualistic killings linked to a notorious traditional healer. The investigation, which began with the exhumation of three bodies from the healer's property, has since spiraled into a nightmarish revelation of more hidden graves and unspeakable horrors.
Nkamba Kasubi, the traditional healer at the center of this dreadful case, was arrested and led police to another site in Porobanguma village, Chemba District, Dodoma. There, six additional graves were uncovered, revealing the remains of more victims, including children.
The bodies, buried in shallow graves, brought the total number of exhumed victims to ten, with one body discovered in a forest, gruesomely ravaged by wild animals.
According to a statement from the Tanzania Police Force's spokesperson, David Misime, the victims were killed in ritualistic ceremonies and buried by Kasubi and his accomplices. Nine of the bodies were buried in shallow graves, while the tenth was discarded in the forest.
Among the identified victims is Seni Jishabi, 28, who disappeared on March 3, 2024. His body was buried in April in Porobanguma. Another victim, Mohamed Juma, 27, from Nyamikumbi A, Singida, was strangled to death and buried after going missing on May 15, 2024.
Daudi Msanku, 27, from Gawidu, Manyara, was killed on May 27, 2024. His body was burned, and the ashes were stored in a container. His motorcycle was later found with one of the suspects, Miraji Shabani Nyalandu, who was captured trying to escape.
Singida Regional Police Commander, Amon Kakwale, has since bolstered security at the site of the initial discoveries, ensuring the area remains under police control. He noted that some bodies were too decomposed for immediate identification, necessitating DNA testing to determine their identities.
The local community is gripped by fear and anger. Elia Digha, Chairman of the Singida District Council, voiced his concerns about the region's presence of rogue traditional healers. He urged the police to continue their investigation, suspecting that more bodies might be hidden.
Residents, like Mkuki Stephano of Makulo village, are demanding increased security. He called on the government to establish a police station in their ward to help restore a sense of safety and peace. The horror and anxiety in the community are palpable as they grapple with the reality of what has transpired.
Tabu Ramadhani, a relative of the healer, expressed her disgust at the actions of Kasubi, while another resident, Husna Moses, described the situation as terrifying, something beyond anything she had ever witnessed.
This shocking case has drawn comparisons to the infamous Shakahola forest incident in Kenya, where Pastor Paul Makenzi was accused of leading the deaths of 429 people. The haunting discoveries in Singida continue to unfold, leaving the community in a state of unease as they wait to see how many more bodies might still be buried in the dark, haunted soil of their land.