By In a landmark ruling that has captivated East Africa, the Dodoma Resident Magistrate’s Court on Monday sentenced four men to life imprisonment for a brutal gang rape that shocked the nation.
The case, which concluded on September 30, 2024, involved MT 140105 Clinton Damas, also known as “Nyundo,” a member of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF), and C.1693 Praygod Mushi, an officer from the Tanzania Prisons Service. Their co-defendants, Nickson Jackson, known as “Machuche,” and Amin Lema, alias “Kindamba,” received the same sentence.
The four men, infamously dubbed the “Afande Hit Squad” due to their military and security affiliations, were found guilty of gang rape and forcing the victim into unnatural acts in Yombo Dovya, a neighborhood in Dar es Salaam.
“This verdict sends a clear message that sexual violence will not be tolerated in our society,” said the presiding magistrate, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the case. “The severity of the sentence reflects the heinous nature of the crime and the trauma inflicted upon the victim.”
In addition to life imprisonment, each convict was ordered to pay 1 million Tanzanian shillings (approximately $430 USD) as compensation to the victim.
The case gained national attention on August 4, 2024, when former Ubungo Mayor Boniface Jacob raised alarm on social media, urging high-ranking officials, including President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Inspector General of Police Camilus Wambura, to take action.
“Since the Commander-in-Chief of the Tanzanian Armed Forces is a woman, the Minister of Defense is a woman, and the Minister for Women is a woman, we expect to see them deeply troubled by this abuse and violence against a young girl,” Jacob stated at the time.
Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, responded promptly, describing the incident as “unacceptable” and urging the survivor to come forward for support.
Police Spokesperson David Misime announced the commencement of investigations, emphasizing the illegal nature of the act and its violation of Tanzanian morals. “The police urge everyone to stop sharing the video, as it is both a legal offense and an act that further degrades the dignity of our fellow human beings,” Misime said in a statement.
Human rights advocates have hailed the ruling as a critical step in addressing the culture of impunity surrounding sexual violence in Tanzania and across East Africa.
“This verdict is a watershed moment for justice in Tanzania,” said Maria Makondo, a prominent women’s rights activist in Dar es Salaam. “It sends a powerful message that no one, regardless of their position or affiliations, is above the law when it comes to sexual violence.”
