TANZANIA: EAJA calls for exhaustive and impartial investigation over journalist’s death following formation of a commission of inquiry

The Eastern Africa Journalists Association (EAJA) greets with cautious optimism the formation of a probe team to investigate the killing of a Channel Ten journalist, Daudi Mwangosi, in Tanzania’s Iringa region on 2 September 2012.

According to information received, a probe team to be headed by the Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Mr. Robert Manumba, was formed on Monday, 3 September, to investigate the circumstances that led to the killing of the Channel Ten journalist. The investigating team consists of experts from various state organs including the chief government chemist, according to Manumba.

Distressing images of the remains of the late Mwangosi kept circulating on several social networks and blogs. The images show his stomach ripped open by what is believed to be an explosive.

On 3 September, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Said Mwema, as well as DCI Manumba, in addition to a number of investigators had travelled to Iringa region to start the investigations. EAJA demands Tanzanian authorities to seize this opportunity to conduct legitimate investigations into Mwangosi’s death.

“We are concerned about the chilling effect of such murder on independent media community, democracy and human rights in Tanzania if it is not adequately and promptly addressed,” said Omar Faruk Osman, EAJA Secretary General. “The credibility of the police is at stake so it is very critical that the probe be executed exhaustively, professionally, impartially and quickly”.

At the same time, the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) and Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) have formed a probe team of their own to make inquiries about the killing of the Channel Ten journalist. EAJA lends support to the probe by TEF and MCT since photographic proof, which has appeared in the media, confirms clearly that police are connected with the killing. “It is proper and appropriate to also have independent investigation as the police is already incriminated. Any move to conceal this case will visibly validate that the police has a credibility problem,” added Osman.