Police spokesperson, David A. Misime. Photo: File
By Mutayoba Arbogast
Missenyi— The sudden death of a Chadema aspirant for the Karagara Village chairmanship in Missenyi District has sparked controversy, with conflicting reports surrounding his cause of death.
The aspiring candidate, identified as Joseph Remigius, reportedly died in the early hours of November 1 after an alleged motorcycle (bodaboda) accident, though Chadema claims he was murdered.
According to Tanzanian Police spokesperson, David A. Misime, DCP, Remigius suffered injuries in an accident on October 31 around 9:00 p.m. He had reportedly left a local bar and was later treated at Minziro Health Center, only to succumb to his injuries hours later.
Misime refuted claims circulating on social media that his death was anything other than accidental, urging anyone with contrary evidence to come forward.
However, Chadema officials have raised doubts about the police account. Zakaria Obad, Secretary for the Victoria Zone, expressed alarm, calling the incident "a brutal attack" and demanding a thorough investigation.
The party alleges that Remigius had received threats from two local leaders urging him to withdraw from the election, warning of potential harm if he refused.
Prominent theologian and activist Bishop Emmaus Bandekile Mwamakula also questioned the police narrative, citing inconsistencies in official records. Mwamakula noted discrepancies in the deceased's identification, with Chadema records showing his name as Joseph R. Eremigius, aged 53—not 52, as claimed by the police.
Additionally, Mwamakula highlighted unexplained gaps in the police report, including uncertainties around who transported Remigius on the bodaboda, the identity of the driver, and the condition of the motorcycle itself.
He urged the police to ensure the safety of Moses Charles, Chadema’s Missenyi District Secretary, who alleged that Remigius shared concerns about threats on October 29, days before his death. Charles is reportedly willing to present evidence under legal protection.
The incident has intensified concerns over transparency and trust in Tanzanian law enforcement, with Chadema supporters and human rights activists calling for greater accountability in cases involving political figures.