POLICE in Mbeya Region are holding three people in connection with murders following a land dispute in Luhanga village, Mbarali District, in Mbeya Region.

Mbeya Regional Police Commander Benjamin Kuzaga confirmed that the incident occurred on 10 January, when a conflict erupted between two families: the family of Rafael Mjengwa, who holds land title deed MBL/420 issued in 1987, and the family of Malewa.

The dispute centred on a 1,050-acre plot of land that the Malewa family also claims as theirs, asserting that they have used it for farming and livestock grazing for many years.

Commander Kuzaga explained that while Rafael Mjengwa’s family was preparing the land for farming, they were suddenly attacked by a group of about 15 people, allegedly from the Malewa family. The attack resulted in two fatalities and five injuries.

The deceased have been identified as Iddi Mjengwa (38) from Igurusi and Maige Jifaru (44) from Isunura, both in Mbarali District.

On 13 January, police arrested Kuva Zengo (25), Lukeresha Mlawa (32), and Bulanda Mathias (25), all residents of Luhanga village, who are suspected to have been involved in the killings.

George Zima, a spokesperson for the Mjengwa family, described the attack that they were approached by nine motorcycle riders and two vehicles carrying individuals armed with machetes, who then launched the assault.

Zima appealed to the government, particularly the Ministry of Lands, to address the ongoing land dispute, noting that prior to the fatal attack, the Mjengwa family had been repeatedly targeted by the Malewa family.

“They killed by hacking with machetes and then set the body on fire. We ask the government for help because this issue has become a major problem for us. We previously raised the matter with the CCM political committee, and they gave instructions," Zima said.

Mbarali District Commissioner Maulid Surumbu urged residents to refrain from taking matters into their own hands and instead follow legal channels to resolve such disputes.