Arusha Regional Police Commander, Justine Bashe. Photo: File
By Adonis Byemelwa
The Arusha Regional Police Force, working closely with the public and other security agencies, has today 21st September 2024, launched an investigation into the disappearance of a young boy and a separate triple murder case.
Authorities are actively searching for Fredy Kumondale, a 2-year-old boy who went missing in Losimingori, Lepruko Ward, Monduli District, under mysterious circumstances.
According to the viral statement from the Arusha Regional Police Commander, Justine Masejo, Fredy was left at a pond by his two siblings—one aged 6 and the other 4—while they were playing. The siblings left him briefly, only to find him missing when they returned.
The police, with the help of locals, are conducting an intensive search operation to locate the child. Commander Masejo urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant in ensuring the safety of young children, particularly around dangerous areas like ponds and rivers, stressing the importance of never leaving them unsupervised.
In an unrelated incident, the Arusha police have arrested three suspects linked to the murder of Meijo Lemokolo, a 23-year-old motorcycle taxi (bodaboda) driver from Orbomba Village in Longido District, Arusha.
The murder occurred on June 21, 2024, when Meijo was attacked, and his motorcycle, a Kinglion model with registration number MC 842 DTH, was stolen.
The arrested suspects are Omary Jumanne, alias Kanuti (31), a resident of Shimbi Road, Mohamed Ally, alias Mudy (25), from Shimbi East, and Chrisencian Haule (25), a businessman from Shimbi West.
The trio were apprehended in Rombo District, Kilimanjaro Region, after a coordinated police operation.
The case is currently under investigation, with authorities pursuing all leads to ensure justice is served. Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be forwarded to the National Prosecution Office for legal action.
Disappearance and abduction cases in Tanzania have raised growing concerns in recent years. Authorities have been working tirelessly to combat these incidents, but cases involving young children, in particular, remain a critical issue.
The public is urged to cooperate with law enforcement and take extra caution in protecting children from potential harm. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to finding missing persons and holding perpetrators accountable.