TWO men have been sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty of defiling children in Chunya District, Mbeya Region.

In the first case, Anthony Mwangaka (55) from Mbugani Village was sentenced to life in prison for raping and sodomizing a nine-year-old girl. The judgment was delivered on March 5, 2025, by Chunya District Magistrate James Mhanuzi following a successful prosecution led by State Attorney Mwajabu Tengeneza. 

The incident occurred on December 17, 2024, and came to light when the victim’s mother noticed signs of abuse while doing laundry.

In another case, Said Kandonga (60) from Kibaoni Village also received a life sentence for raping an eight-year-old girl on September 16, 2024.  The court heard that the child’s mother caught him in the act and immediately reported the incident. Kandonga was arrested on October 2 and later arraigned and convicted.

Elsewhere, Kyela District Court sentenced Emmanuel Magafu (30) from Busale Village to 20 years in prison for indecent assault of a five-year-old girl. He was arrested on January 16 this year after being found with two children and caught sexually assaulting one of them. The verdict was issued on April 14, 2025 by Magistrate Andrew Njau, in accordance with section 138C (1) (a) and (2) (b) of the Penal Code as amended in 2022.

Mbeya Regional Police Commander SACP Benjamin Kuzaga highlighted the developments here yesterday at a press conference. 

In other incidents, he said that Riziki Mapila (55), residents of Lubele area in Kyela District, was allegedly found in possession of nine elephant tusks weighing a total of 34.6 kilogrammes. In a separate case, Kennedy Yawaga (37) from Itamba area in Mbarali District was allegedly caught with three tusks weighing 12 kilogrammes. 

He said Yawaga was apprehended on April 3, 2025 at Mabadaga Village during a special anti-poaching operation. Authorities discovered the tusks buried on his farm, wrapped in plastic. Mapila was arrested on April 14 in a coordinated effort by force and the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA).

The RPC said preliminary investigations indicate the suspects may be linked to illegal hunting activities in national parks. Legal action against both men was underway.