REPORT BY
SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY
MEDIA COUNCIL OF TANZANIA (MCT)
AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF
THE KILLING OF JOURNALIST DAUDI
MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012,
AT NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN
MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
Submitted toMedia Council of Tanzania
(MCT) on October 5, 2012 in Fulfilment
of Requirements of Terms of Reference
given by the Council.
Submitted by:
John P. Mireny – Team Leader, MCT
Hawra Shamte – Political Editor, Mwananchi Newspaper, TEF
Simon S. Berege – Assistant Lecturer, Tumaini University, Iringa
Table of Contents
List of Abbreviations …………………………………………………………………….. iii
1.0 Executive Summary …………………………………………………… 1
2.0 Statement of the Problem ……………..……………………………… 2
3.0 Mandate ………………………………..……………………………… 5
4.0 Terms of Reference …………………………………………………… 5
4.1 General Objective …………………. ………………………………… 5
4.2 Specific Objectives …………………………………………………… 5
5.0 Timeframe ……………………………………………………………… 6
6.0 Methodology ……………..…………………………………………… 6
7.0 Findings ………………………………………………………………… 7
7.1 Preliminary Remarks ……………………………………..…………… 7
7.2 Sanity Scene A ……………………………………… ……………… 10
7.3 Bloody Scene B ………………………………… ……………………… 14
7.4 Freaks at Blood Drama Scene B ……………………………………… 17
7.5 Daudi Mwangosi’s Killing ………….……..………………………… 17
7.6 Contradictory Official Statements ……………………………………………… 19
7.7 Official Statements in Context …………………………………… 22
8.0 The Rest Remains History …………………………………………… 23
9.0 Domestic and international condemnation ………………………… 24
10.0 Conclusion and Recommendations .……………………………… 26
11.0 Select Pictures on Mwangosi’s Killing .…………………………… 30
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
ii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
Chadema – Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo
CPJ – Committee to Protect Journalists
DCI – Director of Criminal Investigation
IPC – Iringa Press Club
M4C – Movement for Change
MISA – Media Institute of Southern Africa
OC-CID – Officer Commanding, Criminal Investigation Department
OCD – Officer Commanding District
RPC – Regional Police Commander
TEF – Tanzania Editors Forum
UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
iii
1.0 Executive Summary
This report presents the investigation team’s findings on the circumstances
that led to the killing of Channel Ten reporter and Iringa Press Club (IPC)
Chairman Daudi Mwangosi while in police hands at Nyololo village in
Mufindi District, Iringa Region, on September 2, 2012. The village lies about
500 km west ofDar es Salaam and is three hours’
drive from Iringa
Municipality
Incidentally, one police officer has already appeared in court charged with
the journalist’s murder.
The team was jointly formed by the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) and
theTanzania
The process involved rigorous journalistic investigative approaches that were
however by no means akin to police enquiries or judicial inquests.
Methods of investigation included open-ended interviews, field visits and a
critical analysis of documents related to the Terms of Reference. The team
received invaluable input from scores of journalists – those who actually
witnessed the killing as well as those not in fact at Nyololo village at the
material time.
Eyewitnesses, including children, were especially useful as sources of
information. Most volunteered first-hand accounts of the tragic incident
which the team has drawn much from. Both press coverage and official
statements on the tragedy were subjected to in-depth analysis.
The team made a comprehensive analysis of relations between regional
authorities (including police) and journalists in Iringa Region as existed
before the killing, in part following reports that there was bad blood between
the two parties. Indeed, there was evidence that the relations had been tense
and suspicious since last quarter of 2011.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
1
The team’s knowledge of this background facilitated its understanding of the
bigger picture, helped in the conceptualization of the roadmap for
investigations and eventually enabled the team to knock the information
gathered into meaningful shape in the form of this report.
Other forms of evidence that helped beef up this report were video clips, still
pictures, information from press conferences held in Iringa, media statements
and other relevant documents – as appended.
Up to the time this report was being written, official statements on the killing
were, at best, inconsistent, contradictory and therefore of little credibility.
In sum, evidence the team laid its hands on showed beyond reasonable doubt
that police were fond of deliberately and consciously intimidating Iringabased
journalists covering Chadema activities at Nyololo village. There was
also impeccable evidence that Daudi Mwangosi was killed in cold blood
while in police hands – in fact, while under the close watch of Iringa RPC
Michael Kamuhanda. This verdict is supported by facts collected from the
field as well as video images and other highly incriminating media output.
2.0 Statement of the Problem
In effect, working relations between journalists based in Iringa Region on the
one hand and police personnel and various other State or government
authorities in the region had not been cordial since March 2012.
Through a number of internal meetings organized by their professional
organization – Iringa Press Club (IPC) – from as long ago as the last quarter
of 2011, journalists had been agitating against what they broadly described
as ‘unfair treatment’ by State officials when covering news across Iringa
Region.
In November 2011, for instance, ITV/Radio One journalist Laurean
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
2
Mkumbata was beaten up for no apparent reason while on duty and had his
camera deliberately smashed by then Iringa OCD Mohamed Semunyu.
Mr. Mkumbata testified before the investigation team that he and other
journalists, among them Daudi Mwangosi, were covering a fray between
police and a rowdy mob inIringa
Municipality
ablaze a residential house alleged to have been used by sorcerers, whose
presence was reportedly traumatizing neighbourhoods.
The drama that unfolded then proved that the police officer meant to damage
the journalist’s working tool in order to obstruct accurate and timely delivery
of news arising from the scuffle.
As police descended on the mob using tear gas canisters and firing live
bullets in the air to scare and disperse the crowd, OCD Semunyu caught up
with the journalist, grabbed his camera and smashed it on the ground three
times. The camera was written off.
As if that was not bad enough, Mr. Mkumbata was arrested and held for
some time while reporting the incident at the regional police headquarters.
A massive cover-up effort by regional authorities soon followed.
However, then Iringa RPC Evarist Mangala intervened and ordered OCD
Semunyu to pay for the camera. The latter complied with the order, and Tzs:
1,800,000 was paid to Mr Mkumbata as requisite compensation. It is
noteworthy that the OCD paid the said money from his own pocket.
Mr Mkumbata was of the view that the police officer smashed the camera
three times to ensure that it was written off and the contents were impossible
to recover, which amounted to preventing accurate and timely coverage of
news by the journalist.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
3
Suspicious relations between journalists and police authorities in the region
had progressively gained currency since then. Curiously, relations with other
regional authorities had not been all that smooth either since the last quarter
of 2011.
IPC Secretary General Frank Leonard recounted that in late February 2012,
seven journalists appointed by the club to cover the Vice President’s official
tour of Iringa Region had to take shelter inside a passenger bus they were
travelling in as the authorities allegedly ignored providing them with hotel
accommodation.
Mr. Leonard said IPC was so infuriated by the treatment that it organized
a peaceful march to protest the rise in the prevalence of harassment of
media practitioners on duty by regional authorities.
He added that the demonstration was also meant to send signals to regional
authorities that “IPC members are not affiliated to any political party but are
professionals and disciples of public interest journalism”.
On March 6, 2012, regional police authorities notified IPC that they saw no
problem with the holding of the demonstration – and it was held without
incident.
The IPC secretary admitted that relations between the two sides “sort of
normalized” after the protest march as the then RPC vowed to address the
differences to ensure that cooperation and mutual understanding became the
rule rather than the exception.
Mr. Leonard described the sudden turn of events culminating in Mwangosi’s
killing, which occurred while the Channel Ten TV journalist was covering
Chadema political activities at Nyololo village in Mufindi District, as “a
shocking and unexpected experience”.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
4
3.0 Mandate
The probe team’s mandate derives from Article 3 (e) of the MCT Constitution,
which gives one of the council’s objectives as:
To maintain a register of developments likely to restrict the supply of information of
public interest and importance, keep a review of the same, and investigate the conduct
and attitude of persons, corporations and governmental bodies at all levels, towards
the media, and make public reports on such investigations.
3.1 Objective
The objective of the investigation was to document the circumstances that
led to journalist Daudi Mwangosi’s killing. As noted above, the investigation
was independent and was not meant as a police inquiry or judicial inquest –
only as an honest documentation of the state of affairs surrounding the first
ever killing of a Tanzanian journalist on duty.
4.0 Terms of Reference
The Investigation Team was guided by the following Terms of Reference:
4.1 General Objective
Investigate the circumstances surrounding and leading to Daudi Mwangosi’s
killing.
4.2 Specific Objectives
Study the history of the existence of unfriendly relations between IPC and
Iringa regional administrative authorities.
Interview Nyololo villagers on factors behind bad blood between police on
the one hand and Chadema and journalists on the other.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
5
Gather relevant information from members of the public, IPC and journalists
who were at the scene of violence and subsequent killing.
Independently analyse media, police and other reports and allegations
related to the incident.
5.0 Timeframe
The assignment took eight days – September 5 to 12, 2012.
6.0 Methodology
The team went about the investigation as follows:
First, it reviewed documents and newspaper clippings relevant to the
investigation so as to get as much background on the matter as possible. This
included the provision in MCT’s Constitution on the council’s mandate to
undertake or commission the undertaking of such investigations.
Secondly, it closely scrutinized media coverage, including still pictures, audio
and audiovisuals on the September 2, 2012 killing , most especially
preliminary police accounts vis-à-vis solid findings from the field obtained by
the probe team. All statements by police and the Home Affairs minister Dr.
Emmanuel Nchimbi relating to the killing that were made prior to the
formation of special probe committee by Minister for Home Affairs Dr.
Emmanuel Nchimbi on September 4, 2012 were subjected to in-depth
analysis.
Finally, there was field investigation. This involved travelling to Iringa
Region for, among other things, interviews with selected individuals and
journalists present at Nyololo village on the day of the killing. The open-
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
6
ended interview method was adopted for which investigators asked
respondents random questions.
The key approach was face-to-face conversations between investigators and
the respondents, including some Nyololo villagers. Investigative journalism
skills were deployed and helped the team achieve the objectives it was
expected to achieve. The process generated facts on the strength of which
conclusions were drawn, as appears in this report.
7.0 Findings
7.1 Preliminary Remarks
On September 2, 2012, two well-attended press conferences were held in
Iringa Municipality
addressed by Iringa RPC Michael Kamuhanda at his offices in the morning.
The topic was the police decision to ban all planned opposition Chadema
political party meetings and rallies in Iringa Region aimed at implementing
the opposition party’s countrywide political campaign known as Movement
for Change (M4C).
The RPC said the national population and housing census, previously slated
for August 26 through September 1, 2012, had been extended by the
government to September 8, 2012. He added that, in the circumstances, all
social and political gatherings suspended till the census was over.
Journalists at the conference admitted that Daudi Mwangosi was the only
reporter who asked the RPC such ‘hard questions’ at the event that the latter
became visibly annoyed.
One of the questions asked by Mwangosi was what constituted a correct
definition of ‘internal party meeting’ based on Chadema officials’ claims that
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
7
the party was not out to hold demonstrations or rallies but all it had in mind
was the opening of branches in Iringa Region.
IPC Secretary General Leonard recalled one question floated by Mwangosi at
the conference: why CCM was freely holding political rallies while Chadema
was systematically being slapped with police sanctions.
When Mwangosi demanded clarification from the RPC, the latter retorted:
“This is an order and police won’t entertain any argument on this issue.”
A communiqué from the RPC reminded politicians, political parties and
members of the public that political party rallies were banned owing to the
extension of the census.
Shortly after the RPC’s press conference, some police officers hinted on the
possibility of things not being the same again at Nyololo village
The MCT investigation team had an audience with Iringa-based journalists:
Clement Sanga of Mwananchi Communications Ltd and Oliver Motto, who
freelances for Mtanzania newspaper, Star TV and Radio Free Africa.
They recounted that after the press conference, as journalists were walking out
of the regional police headquarters, police officers whose identities were not
immediately established cautioned journalists against “venturing” to Nyololo
to cover Chadema political activities owing to so-called potential risks.
The second press conference was called in the afternoon (the same day) by
Chadema and addressed by the party’s Secretary General, Dr. Wilbroad Slaa,
and M4C operations commander Benson Kigaila.
The party strongly defended its M4C campaigns, accusing police of
“conspiratorial efforts and malicious actions aimed at sabotaging M4C”. It
declared that police were fond of discriminating against opposition parties
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
8
while favouring ruling CCM party and still claiming to be enforcing law and
order.
Chadema submitted that, despite the police order ostensibly banning political
rallies until the census was over, CCM by-election campaigns were allowed
to take place in Bububu constituency,Zanzibar
inaugurated on the Sunday of September 2, 2012 (the same day Daudi
Mwangosi was killed!) byTanzania
Bilal.
Chadema vowed to continue with its M4C campaigns in Iringa Region,
including opening party branches in Nyololo village on September 2, 2012 –
but without rallies.
The party’s officials stuck to their guns and proceeded to Nyololo village to
open party branches. Iringa RPC Michael Kamuhanda assembled several of
the officers under him in three fully packed, open police vehicles and
proceeded to trail Chadema officials.
The two sides then found themselves together at a spot in Nyololo village,
where Chadema leaders had planned to open two party branches. The
branches opened are three kilometers apart, separated by the Dar es Salaam-
Tunduma highway.
The sketch, not drawn to scale on page 16, sets an all-inclusive stage of the
scenes, as detailed by eyewitnesses and refined by MCT field investigations.
For purposes of illustration, the two scenes are differently marked as [A] in
reference to “sanity scenario” and [B] for “bloody scenario”.
On one scene [A], sanity overrode police decisions – and actions, chaos and
blood shedding were avoided; on the other scene [B], excessive use of force
by police was manifested, leading to the killing of Daudi Mwangosi and the
injuring of several other Iringa-based journalists and Chadema party cadres.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
9
7.2 Sanity Scenario [A]
This is the first place where a Chadema office is located – on sloppy terrain
south-east of the dusty road that traverses Nyololo village.
Eyewitnesses (journalists and villagers) submitted that, upon arrival at the
party branch site, Chadema officials and members disembarked from their
cars ready for business. A yellow ribbon cordoned off the site to restrain
people from assembling around the office block and create an impression
that a rally or meeting was due to be held there – which would be
contravening the police “ban”.
No sooner had Chadema internal meeting started than a contingent of armed
police Field Force Unit (FFU) officer descended on the precinct, in a V-shaped
military manoeuvre, under the command of the Regional Crimes Officer
(RCO) SSP Nyigesa Wankyo.
The FFU commander at the scene, Florent Mnunka, instructed police to raise
a red-flagged banner warning the people assembled in the area to disperse,
failing which they would be forcible removed. The commander repeatedly
declared: “All people gathered here are hereby ordered by theUnited
Republic of Tanzania
shall use force!” Three such warnings later, the OC-CID instructed police to
move closer to the Chadema office.
Upon approaching Sanity Scene [A] area, Chadema M4C operations
commander Benson Kigaila and other leaders got out of the office building
and pleaded with the FFU commander to restrain the officers under his
command from unnecessary use of force because no Chadema rally was lined
up, anyway.
The other Chadema leaders with Kigaila were Wilfred Lwakatare and
Deputy Secretary General (Zanzibar
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
10
The two parties tussled for a while over the definition of “internal party
meeting” and whether what Chadema was doing was any different from
political rallies banned by police.
Audiovisual evidences captured by journalists then on location show the war
of words between police and Chadema officials which ensued at Sanity
Scene [A] as follows:
Benson Kigaila: “We are within our branch office, we know the law; this is
a Chadema branch.”
FFU Commander: “We warn you, please, hold your meeting inside the
office.”
Benson Kigaila: “We are not going anywhere.”
FFU Commander: “Go inside.”
The RCO then abruptly intervened and “advised” Chadema leaders to direct
their members to get inside the party’s office. The members obeyed the
directive but the office was too small to accommodate all of them.
RCO insists: “This is an unlawful gathering, please get inside.”
Chadema National youth wing chairperson John Heche responds: “What is
the problem? If you have been sent to kill, open fire and kill…we are here to
stay.”
One Chadema cadre is then heard from the video telling police: “Yesterday
CCM cadres returned their election forms, complete with demonstrations
and jubilation… We are not going anywhere.”
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
11
John Heche continues argument with police: “You need to know the laws
before doing your job.”
Some semblance of common understanding is later reached between the RCO
and Chadema officials, and the commander orders his officers to refrain from
any use of force.
One police officer remarks, though: “They are wasting our time…aahh they
are taking our time. Apparently, this officer was not impressed by the last
order from his boss, the RCO, requiring the contingent refrain from using of
force.”
Journalists Vs RPC Kamuhanda
Iringa RPC Kamuhanda arrived at the Sanity Scene [A] a few minutes after
the RCO, FFU officers and Chadema officials had settled their differences
and agreed on the definition and implication of Chadema’s “internal
meetings”. Journalists including Daudi Mwangosi then greeted him with a
flurry of questions related to differences of opinion between Chadema and
police.
Mwangosi asks RPC: “These people are within their office compound, is
there any trouble so far caused due to their planned activities?”
RPC replies: “I have already told you not to be too argumentative. What I
have told you is that I have banned all political rallies…Don’t come up with
the same arguments come morning, evening, afternoon or sunset…Why is it
important to ask us what we are here for?”
Another journalist (Name not given): “I guess you (RPC) are the one who is
too argumentative.”
RPC: What I have banned are political rallies, but all indoor activities can
take place…So far no trouble experienced.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
12
RPC continues: “We have succeeded in containing the rallies and riots…, if
they want to conduct inside meetings they can continue.”
Mwangosi: “…just as they are now doing…!”
RPC: “As they have been doing since the day before yesterday.”
After some further exchange of words, the RPC says: “We want the leaders;
we will never bother with people who have just assembled here. Our target
now is to deal with the ones who have called the meeting…, they are the
source of everything, and they are breaching the official order.”
He continues:We are afraid of injuring people unnecessarily, so we will deal
with leaders, who are just a small group and easier to handle. Now, no
meetings, this one (gathering) is being held outside.
Mwangosi interrupts: “Is this a meeting?”
RPC orders the crowd to proceed with the (internal) meeting inside: “Go
inside.”
A journalist carrying cameras then shoots up and asks: “What if the room is
too small to accommodate all the people around?”
RPC: “We will arrest you leaders if you are adamant…”
Voice from presumed Chadema leader: “We will keep being here.”
RPC: “Yes, and you are so few, we can handle you.”
The person replies: “Aah! No problem…how many years did Mandela stay
in prison?”
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
13
RPC: “Even thirty years, but you have mentioned Mandela, are you
Mandela?”
While the journalists were busy questioning the RPC, Chadema officials
conducted their meeting, and it ended peacefully. With that, the party’s
business for the moment was done, journalists having done their job without
any harassment.
Then Chadema cadres boarded their cars and headed north-west to the other
office. At Sanity Scene [A], neither gas canisters nor live bullets fired were
fired to scare people – and there was no casualty.
7.3 Bloody Scene [B]
As soon as Chadema officials were through with the party branch opening
ceremony at Sanity Scene [A], they shifted to what eventually turned out to
be Bloody Scene [B] to accomplish the same.
It takes less than twenty minutes’ walk to that other Chadema office. As party
officials moved to that scene, police closely followed them. Journalists too
followed them to complete coverage of the event. But something sinister
happened even before the FFU contingent had reached the Bloody Scene [B]
precincts.
According to eyewitnesses, the RPC summoned the RCO and openly
expressed anger over the ‘peaceful’ handling of Chadema affairs at Sanity
Scene [A].
Apparently, the RCO retreated before approaching Bloody Scene [B], and
the direct command of police decisions and actions at Bloody Scene [B] was
left in the hands of his boss – RPC Kamuhanda.
A much similar scenario of argumentation with journalists ensued as had
happened at Sanity Scene [A]. At this point, Chadema cadres were
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
14
assembled outside their office chanting: “They are used to killing, they are
used to killing”, which left police far from impressed.
All hell broke loose when the RPC ordered the arrest of Chadema leaders at
the scene. In response to the orders, according to eyewitnesses, police first
violently stormed into the party’s office, firing tear gas canisters and ordering
party leaders to surrender.
Following the decision by police to use force, M4C regional leader Kigaila
pleaded with the few followers and office bearers around “to surrender by
sitting down and raising their hands”.
Two journalists interviewed by the MCT probe team, Clement Sanga of
Mwananchi Communications Ltd and Mtanzania, Star TV and Radio Free
Africa freelance correspondent Oliver Motto said they witnessed the violent
incident live at Nyololo village while taking cover by the roadside, a few
meters from Bloody Scene B.
They testified that although Chadema cadres complied with their leader’s
(Kigaila) pleas that they sit down and raise their hands to signal surrender,
police went on to fire live bullets and tear gas canisters into the air while
using batons and boots to punish journalists and other people around.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
15
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
16
7.4 Freaks at Bloody Drama Scene B
One of the confounding aspects of the bloody drama at Scene B was the
presence of very few civilians (Chadema cadres and journalists combined),
outnumbered many times over by police. Eyewitness accounts and still
pictures and video clips prove this beyond any shadow of doubt.
Nyololo villagers interviewed for this report said that on the Saturday of
September 1, 2012, people believed to be plain clothed police toured the area,
warning residents of serious – even fatal – consequences if they were to
attend banned Chadema branch opening activities. They claimed to have
even been advised to vacate the area during the next day’s afternoon hours,
the time Chadema had scheduled to hold its activities.
The scare strategy worked out very well, with local residents interviewed
admitting that they were ignorant of the existence of bad blood between
Chadema and scuffles and heeded the advice and left the vicinity.
A woman preferring anonymity said she learnt of the violence and
subsequent killing of the journalist in the village when she returned home in
the evening. In response to the scare rumours circulated on September 1,
2012, she had planned to visit a distant relative instead as “an escape option”.
7.5 Daudi Mwangosi’s Killing
After the peaceful conclusion of news coverage at Sanity Scene [A],
journalists graciously approached what was later to turn out to be a deathtrap
at Bloody Scene [B], from the south-east direction across the
Dar-Tunduma highway, to finalise their work.
On looking back, Daudi Mwangosi saw a contingent of policemen roughing
up Nipashe newspaper’s Iringa bureau chief, Godfrey Mushi (32).
This reporter said he was beaten until he lost consciousness and only
recovered while at Mafinga police station. His work camera, notebook and
pen are yet to be recovered.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
17
With Mushi still being battered by police, Mwangosi rushed to the scene,
appealing to them to refrain stop roughing up the former “as he is a mere
journalist”.
But police would not heed the plea fro mercy. Instead, the entire contingent
hauled the unconscious Mushi into their van and violently descended on
Daudi Mwangosi himself, with batons and tear gas canisters, first knocking
him unconscious.
On seeing this, Tanzania Daima newspaper reporter Abdallah Said rushed to
the RPC’s commanding base in a police-labelled Land Cruiser vehicle, again
entreating the commander to order his subordinates to stop beating Daudi
Mwangosi.
Apparently dismayed after witnessing the brutality to which police officers
were subjecting Mwangosi to, Mafinga OCD Asseri Mwampamba sought to
intervene. He ordered and later beseeched his subordinates to stop further
unleashing brutality on Mwangosi.
ITV reporter Renatus Mutabuzi, who covered the event live, confirmed to
the investigation team that OCD Asseri’s attempt to intervene and protect
Mwangosi from more police beating simply did not work.
As police officers continued to batter Mwangosi, the hapless journalist tried
to shield himself from the attackers by first, embracing the OCD Asseri
Mwampamba, and then taking cover under his legs to avoid worse torture –
but all in vain.
Fortunately, operating as undercover agents, some Iringa-based journalists
were still able to take still pictures and audio-video clips on the fracas.
Journalists fromDar es Salaam
Scene B because, unlike their fellow from Iringa, they were not targeted by
police as such.
A woman present at Bloody Scene B testified that she lied down close to the
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
18
point where Daudi Mwangosi was killed, pretending to have died in order
to avoid further brutal beatings from the FFU men. One of those injured in the
scuffle (she was badly injured and admitted toMafinga District
Hospital
three days), she spoke to the team on condition of anonymity.
The woman submitted that she saw reporter Abdallah Said running towards
the RPC’s vehicle and pleading with him to order the commander’s
subordinates to stop beating Mwangosi.
The RPC didn’t heed the reporter’s plea and, instead, rolled up his vehicle’s
left window door mirror. A few seconds later, a horn blast was heard from
the RPC’s vehicle and there were simultaneous explosions of tear gas
canisters that instantly killed Mwangosi.
Because the late Mwangosi was still hiding between OCD Asseri
Mwampamba’s legs, the latter was also seriously injured in the tear gas shell
attack. Still photographs show a police officer firing a tear gas shell into
Daudi’s stomach from close range.
The woman asserted that Mwangosi was killed under the close watch of RPC
Michael Kamuhanda. For Abdallah Said and the woman witness, the
coincidence of the horn blast and the explosions remains a big puzzle.
Immensely shocked by what had just happened, OCD Asseri Mwampamba
agonized after the tear gas canister explosion and he remarked: So, what have
you done?
7.6 Contradictory Official Statements
Authoritative but contradictory police reports on Mwangosi’s killing were
accessed through different media outlets beginning on the Monday of
September 3, 2012. The respective official authorities had retracted none of
the statements until the time of compiling this report.
The statements, specific sources and media outlets that covered them are
summarized in the table below:
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
19
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
20
Official Press Statements
Statement (s)
Mwangosi died from a heavy
object that had been thrown
by demonstrators
• Police deny any deliberate
involvement in the death of
the journalist.
• Joint military police inquiry
would be conducted into
the journalist’s death.
• After the break-up of the
riot, Mwangosi ran towards
the direction of police, and
a bomb like device was
thrown from the
stampeding crowd and
blew up Mwangosi.
• Several other people were
injured, including some
police officers.
• I am not in a position to
speak because am right
now at Iringa Regional
Hospital’s morgue
• Refuses to comment on the
cause of death but confirms
one person had died
• Confirms the death of one
person but not sure
whether the deceased was
Channel Ten journalist
Source
Iringa RPC, Michael
Kamuhanda
Police
Commissioner of
Operations, Paul
Chagonja
Information
obtained from police
headquarters
Iringa RPC Michael
Kamuhanda
RPC Michael
Kamuhanda.
Iringa RPC Michael
Kamuhanda
Media Outlet/Date/Issue
No.
• Committee for
Protection of
Journalists (CPJ).
3/09/2012
Online
• Channel Ten
broadcast, morning of
September 3, 2012
Reuters
4/09/2012
Online
Habari Leo
03/09/2012
02083
1-Lead
• Channel Ten
broadcast, morning of
September 3, 2012
The Daily News
3/09/2012
10726
Lead Story
Nipashe newspaper
quotes Channel Ten
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
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JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
21
• RPC refused commenting
saying he was attending a
meeting
• Denies allegations that
police killed the journalist.
• What caused the death is an
object thrown by the rowdy
crowd. Police are
investigating.
• Police was dispersing the
crowd. A journalist was
running away from the
crowd towards police
officers. The object also
injured several other people
and some police officers,
including the OCS.
• They will not take long to
accomplish the
investigation because many
witnesses are known.
• The remains of Mwangosi
already collected for
analysis
• A journalist was killed by a
tear gas canister which was
not handled properly by
law enforcers.
• We will not be in a position
to say who was responsible
for the killing until the two
investigation teams
complete their work and
submit their findings. That
is when legal steps can be
taken against culprits.
Police official
spokesperson
Advera Senso
DCI Robert
Manumba
Home Affairs
minister Dr.
Emmanuel Nchimbi
(He was quoted by
MCT Executive
Secretary Kajubi
Mukajanga)
Dr. Emmanuel
Nchimbi – Minister
for Home Affairs
Nipashe Newspaper
03/09/2012
03/09/2012
Lead
Mwananchi newspaper
03/09/2012
Lead
Daily News
04/09/2012
Front Page story
Habari Leo
04/09/2012
02084
Lead
Daily News
05/09/2012
10, 728
Second Lead (front)
7.7 Official Statements in Context
On the one hand, the Home Affairs Minister admitted on September 4, 2012
that Daudi Mwangosi was killed by a ‘mishandled’ tear gas shell, the
following morning the Iringa RPC appeared on national television seeking to
blame the ‘crowd of Chadema supporters’ for throwing a heavy object that
exploded and killed Mwangosi alongside injuring several other people
including three police officers.
Eyewitnesses and facts on the ground as captured on video and in still
pictures show that there was no ‘crowd’ of such supporters but rather
journalists and no more than a score of Chadema leaders, who were well
outnumbered and overpowered by the police contingent. Yet, the RPC swore
that there was an unruly ‘crowd’.
Likewise, police and other official statements fell conspicuously short of
mentioning that a similar activity had taken place at Sanity Scene A
completely without violence.
On September 12, 2012 a person identified as Police Constable Cleophase
Pasifious Simon (23) was charged with Mwangosi’s murder. Yet,
photographic evidence suggests that before his killing, Mwangosi was
surrounded and assaulted by no fewer than seven police officers – most of
them in uniform! One police officer could be clearly seen directing his gun at
the journalist’s stomach.
The fact that the police constable has been arrested and arraigned
corroborates what the Home Affairs minister first told MCT Executive
Secretary Kajubi Mukajanga about a ‘mishandled’ tear gas canister. This was
contrary to cover-up efforts by RPC Kamuhanda and police officers at police
headquarters inDar es Salaam
Surprisingly, while addressing a press conference in Iringa on September 5,
2012 that later aborted, Director of Criminal Investigations Robert Manumba
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
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JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
22
suggested that aid “incidents of this nature are bound to occur and will
continue to occur”. Obviously, given the bizarre nature of these remarks, he
was widely quoted in the media.
Apparently, Manumba made the remarks when innocently pleading for
“understanding” from members of the press corps in Iringa who had objected
to attending a press briefing he had called unless all Iringa-based police
officers vacated the press meeting venue. This protest was in line with IPC’s
decision to boycott the reporting of any police activity in the region until
investigations into Mwangosi’s killing were completed and the findings
made public.
8.0 The Rest is History
What amazed journalists at that point in time was the fact that police
suddenly turned against them. Even after the journalists had learnt that they
were facing an uncertain future vis-à-vis the law-enforcers and some had
begun taking cover in surrounding bushes, police still pursued them and
aimed tear gas canisters at those seen fleeing.
IPC Deputy Secretary General Francis Godwin, a freelance journalist who
said he witnessed the Mwangosi killing, recounted that two police officers
chased him deep into the bush at Nyololo village and he was forced to
abandon his car, only to return deep at night to recover it.
Deep into their temporary hide-outs, some journalists were helping Abdallah
Said rub off particles of human flesh splashed from Daudi Mwangosi’s body.
Shortly after the morning press conference at the RPC’s offices journalists in
the briefing chamber recounted that one unidentified plain clothed police
officer approached Mwangosi and remarked: “What is the point if going to
Nyololo to cover Chadema activities may end in your own demise?”
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
23
All smile, Mwangosi retorted: “If I die today, my remains will not be buried
in the ground but in the hearts of the people.” It was as if he was predicting
his death.
IPC Secretary General Frank Leonard was meanwhile “completely at a loss”
as to why police turned against his fellow journalists.
“Every 11am, we attend press conferences called by the RPC at his offices. We
and his officers know one another – on first name terms. It remains a great
puzzle why they so violently turned against journalists as to take Daudi
Mwangosi’s life,” he said.
At Scene [A], where sanity was allowed to prevail and guide police decisions
and actions, chaos and blood shedding was avoided; meanwhile, at Scene
[B], excesses by reigned, leading to the killing of Daudi Mwangosi and the
injuring of several other Chadema party cadres.
9.0 Domestic and international condemnation
MCT
The Media Council of Tanzania condemned Mwangosi’s killing as directly
threatening freedom of the press. “This is the first incident that has ever
occurred inTanzania
MCT Executive Secretary Kajubi Mukajanga is extensively quoted by media.
MCT demanded that the relevant authorities do whatever was humanly
possible to make sure that the truth of what actually took place on the day of
the tragic event was revealed.
The Council also condemned the incriminating of a journalist with political
activities and associating him with a political party while he was just fulfilling
his professional obligations to society.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
24
UTPC
The Union of Tanzania Press Clubs similarly condemned the cold-blooded
murder, demanding that the government immediately put to task – even fire
- all police officers involved in the operations that led to the tragic incident.
TEF
The Tanzania Editors Forum issued a strongly worded statement to the same
effect, with Secretary General Neville Meena also noting that it was the first
time in recent history in Tanzania for a journalist to pay the ultimate price
while innocently going about be killed while doing his or her work.
MISA and others
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the Committee to Protect
Journalists (CPJ) and ARTICLE 19 all condemned the killing.
Levi Kabwato, MISA’s Programme Specialist for Media Freedom Monitoring
and Research, expressed deep concern over the incident.
“This is very shocking. 2 September 2012, isn’t a dark day for Tanzanian
journalism alone but also for the region and the rest of the world. Violence is
never a solution, it solves nothing. We call upon the government ofTanzania
to urgently institute an inquiry and bring those responsible for this loss of
life to account,” Kabwato said in a statement.
CPJ meanwhile said Mwangosi’s death was the first work-related fatality for
a journalist recorded inTanzania
records in 1992.
A “saddened” ARTICLE 19 made an impassioned appeal to the Government
ofTanzania
UNESCO
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova denounced the killing, calling for
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
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JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
25
an investigation into the case and demanding that those responsible face the
full wrath of the law.
“It is essential for democracy and rule of law that journalists be allowed to
carry out their duties and exercise their right to free speech safely,“ the UN
agency said in a statement.
10.0 Conclusion and Recommendations
Journalist Daudi Mwangosi’s killing has had a chilling effect on press
freedom particularly in that press freedom presupposes that journalists are
able to do their work without being subjected to intimidation or actual
violence, and are therefore able to report freely without censorship.
As a journalist, Daudi Mwangosi was exercising his constitutional right to
do ‘decent work’, but his life was so cruelly cut short at the age of 38.
For media and journalists in particular, it doesn’t matter whether police had
indeed outlawed or postponed Chadema activities at Nyololo village.
It was in the public interest for the media to report the facts of the activities
as they unfolded and for the audience to make independent but informed
decisions.
In principle, at all times and in all events, good or ugly, journalists should be
seen and treated as neutral agents.
There clearly was use of unwarranted force on unarmed people at Nyololo
village. What was witnessed was a battle pitting armed police against
defenseless journalists – surely, a battle of stones against eggs. Some restraint
on all parties to what happened, armed police in particular, could have easily
forestalled the tragedy we ended up witnessing.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
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OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
26
The MCT team has ruled out the question of mistaken identity. The eight
journalists present at Nyololo village could easily be identified, especially so
after peaceful state of affairs at the Sanity Scene A.
Since all that the journalists were carrying were cameras, notebooks and pens
and most were familiar faces and names to Iringa police officer, it is safe to
conclude that police were all out to hunting down journalists they were
familiar with.
Some of the journalists who covered the skirmishes at Nyololo village pitting
Chadema leaders and cadres against police were fromDar es Salaam
interviews with the MCT probe team, journalists in the latter category
wondered aloud why it was only their Iringa-based colleagues who were
targeted!
The extent of hostility and antagonism that prevailed between the Iringa RPC
and the late Daudi Mwangosi throughout the hours following the press
conference and until a few minutes before the journalist’s raises more
questions than answers.
Six Iringa-based journalists said they were traumatized by the police violence
unleashed on them and are contemplating quitting journalism. One
confirmed that he plans to become a preacher instead for fear of his life.
The relevant authorities need to design programmes for senior police cadres
to learn how best to deal with media houses and individual journalists. The
aim should be to normalize working relations between the two sides.
This arises from the fact that bad blood developed between Iringa-based
journalists and police officers in the region since the last quarter of last year,
and there has been no let-up.
It defies common intelligence that two similar events occurring on same day
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
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JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
27
are treated so differently: one is handled with care and restraint from violence
while the other is handled with excessive force targeting particular journalists
and ending in tragedy.
In the first incident, the Iringa RCO decided that Chadema could conduct its
internal affairs peacefully at in party’s own office; in the second, the regional
police chief decided that such activity had to be stopped using whatever
means available.
Partly in reference to the Nyololo clashes between the police and Chadema
supporters, President Jakaya Kikwete’s monthly Speech to the Nation for
September 2012, insisted on the police to avoid excessive use of force where
not necessary, while reminding Tanzanians and politicians to respect the laws
of the land and view the police force as the lawful custodian of peace and
security.
The President clarified that police force has mandate to endorse or prohibit
the right to hold rallies and demonstrations by political parties.
Preliminary high-level official reports on journalist Mwangosi’s killing are
contradictory in both text and context. Analysing them vis-à-vis the abundant
evidence now available shows that it is only fair to conclude that someone
somewhere was planning a massive cover-up scandal.
Arguing that Mwangosi’s killing has soiledTanzania
reputation as peaceful and democratic country would be an understatement.
It is noteworthy that the killing coincided with the holding of the World
Association of Press Councils (WAPC) Executive Council Meeting in
Tanzania
WAPC Secretary General Christopher Conybeare had this to say to the
Information, Youth, Culture and Sports minister Dr. Fenella Mukangara:
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
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NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
28
“When journalists are killed, democracy also dies…..this single event has
already begun to tarnish Tanzania’s excellent reputation for media freedom”.
Responding, the minister admitted that Mwangosi’s killing was a sad
incident for Tanzanians in general and the country’s media fraternity in
particular. She expressed hope that the government-sanctioned probe into
the matter would shed useful light on the tragic incident.
Yet, even before findings by media and government investigation teams were
made public, a police constable was arrested and charged with the killing.
Question from the MCT investigation team: Why the pick only on this junior
police officer when at least six other police officers under the close watch and
direct command of the RPC Michael Kamuhanda are closely associated with
the journalist’s harassment, torture and killing? Why the rest are still on the
loose baffles logic.
However, investigations by the MCT team could not establish if the killing of
Mwangosi was pre-meditated.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
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JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
29
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
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JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
30
11.0 Select Pictures on Mwangosi’s Killing
Jovial Daudi
Mwangosi
(circled)
engaging Iringa
RPC Michael
Kamuhanda (R)
at Nyalolo
village moments
before his killing.
Men in uniform
on standby
posion at
Nyololo village
Policemen
surround and
brutally beat
late Mwangosi.
He died right
there
Embagoed Until Tuesday
9th October, 2012, 12.30 pm
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
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REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
31
SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY
MEDIA COUNCIL OF TANZANIA (MCT)
AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF
THE KILLING OF JOURNALIST DAUDI
MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012,
AT NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN
MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
Submitted toMedia Council of Tanzania
(MCT) on October 5, 2012 in Fulfilment
of Requirements of Terms of Reference
given by the Council.
Submitted by:
John P. Mireny – Team Leader, MCT
Hawra Shamte – Political Editor, Mwananchi Newspaper, TEF
Simon S. Berege – Assistant Lecturer, Tumaini University, Iringa
Table of Contents
List of Abbreviations …………………………………………………………………….. iii
1.0 Executive Summary …………………………………………………… 1
2.0 Statement of the Problem ……………..……………………………… 2
3.0 Mandate ………………………………..……………………………… 5
4.0 Terms of Reference …………………………………………………… 5
4.1 General Objective …………………. ………………………………… 5
4.2 Specific Objectives …………………………………………………… 5
5.0 Timeframe ……………………………………………………………… 6
6.0 Methodology ……………..…………………………………………… 6
7.0 Findings ………………………………………………………………… 7
7.1 Preliminary Remarks ……………………………………..…………… 7
7.2 Sanity Scene A ……………………………………… ……………… 10
7.3 Bloody Scene B ………………………………… ……………………… 14
7.4 Freaks at Blood Drama Scene B ……………………………………… 17
7.5 Daudi Mwangosi’s Killing ………….……..………………………… 17
7.6 Contradictory Official Statements ……………………………………………… 19
7.7 Official Statements in Context …………………………………… 22
8.0 The Rest Remains History …………………………………………… 23
9.0 Domestic and international condemnation ………………………… 24
10.0 Conclusion and Recommendations .……………………………… 26
11.0 Select Pictures on Mwangosi’s Killing .…………………………… 30
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
ii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
Chadema – Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo
CPJ – Committee to Protect Journalists
DCI – Director of Criminal Investigation
IPC – Iringa Press Club
M4C – Movement for Change
MISA – Media Institute of Southern Africa
OC-CID – Officer Commanding, Criminal Investigation Department
OCD – Officer Commanding District
RPC – Regional Police Commander
TEF – Tanzania Editors Forum
UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
iii
1.0 Executive Summary
This report presents the investigation team’s findings on the circumstances
that led to the killing of Channel Ten reporter and Iringa Press Club (IPC)
Chairman Daudi Mwangosi while in police hands at Nyololo village in
Mufindi District, Iringa Region, on September 2, 2012. The village lies about
500 km west of
Incidentally, one police officer has already appeared in court charged with
the journalist’s murder.
The team was jointly formed by the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) and
the
The process involved rigorous journalistic investigative approaches that were
however by no means akin to police enquiries or judicial inquests.
Methods of investigation included open-ended interviews, field visits and a
critical analysis of documents related to the Terms of Reference. The team
received invaluable input from scores of journalists – those who actually
witnessed the killing as well as those not in fact at Nyololo village at the
material time.
Eyewitnesses, including children, were especially useful as sources of
information. Most volunteered first-hand accounts of the tragic incident
which the team has drawn much from. Both press coverage and official
statements on the tragedy were subjected to in-depth analysis.
The team made a comprehensive analysis of relations between regional
authorities (including police) and journalists in Iringa Region as existed
before the killing, in part following reports that there was bad blood between
the two parties. Indeed, there was evidence that the relations had been tense
and suspicious since last quarter of 2011.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
1
The team’s knowledge of this background facilitated its understanding of the
bigger picture, helped in the conceptualization of the roadmap for
investigations and eventually enabled the team to knock the information
gathered into meaningful shape in the form of this report.
Other forms of evidence that helped beef up this report were video clips, still
pictures, information from press conferences held in Iringa, media statements
and other relevant documents – as appended.
Up to the time this report was being written, official statements on the killing
were, at best, inconsistent, contradictory and therefore of little credibility.
In sum, evidence the team laid its hands on showed beyond reasonable doubt
that police were fond of deliberately and consciously intimidating Iringabased
journalists covering Chadema activities at Nyololo village. There was
also impeccable evidence that Daudi Mwangosi was killed in cold blood
while in police hands – in fact, while under the close watch of Iringa RPC
Michael Kamuhanda. This verdict is supported by facts collected from the
field as well as video images and other highly incriminating media output.
2.0 Statement of the Problem
In effect, working relations between journalists based in Iringa Region on the
one hand and police personnel and various other State or government
authorities in the region had not been cordial since March 2012.
Through a number of internal meetings organized by their professional
organization – Iringa Press Club (IPC) – from as long ago as the last quarter
of 2011, journalists had been agitating against what they broadly described
as ‘unfair treatment’ by State officials when covering news across Iringa
Region.
In November 2011, for instance, ITV/Radio One journalist Laurean
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
2
Mkumbata was beaten up for no apparent reason while on duty and had his
camera deliberately smashed by then Iringa OCD Mohamed Semunyu.
Mr. Mkumbata testified before the investigation team that he and other
journalists, among them Daudi Mwangosi, were covering a fray between
police and a rowdy mob in
ablaze a residential house alleged to have been used by sorcerers, whose
presence was reportedly traumatizing neighbourhoods.
The drama that unfolded then proved that the police officer meant to damage
the journalist’s working tool in order to obstruct accurate and timely delivery
of news arising from the scuffle.
As police descended on the mob using tear gas canisters and firing live
bullets in the air to scare and disperse the crowd, OCD Semunyu caught up
with the journalist, grabbed his camera and smashed it on the ground three
times. The camera was written off.
As if that was not bad enough, Mr. Mkumbata was arrested and held for
some time while reporting the incident at the regional police headquarters.
A massive cover-up effort by regional authorities soon followed.
However, then Iringa RPC Evarist Mangala intervened and ordered OCD
Semunyu to pay for the camera. The latter complied with the order, and Tzs:
1,800,000 was paid to Mr Mkumbata as requisite compensation. It is
noteworthy that the OCD paid the said money from his own pocket.
Mr Mkumbata was of the view that the police officer smashed the camera
three times to ensure that it was written off and the contents were impossible
to recover, which amounted to preventing accurate and timely coverage of
news by the journalist.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
3
Suspicious relations between journalists and police authorities in the region
had progressively gained currency since then. Curiously, relations with other
regional authorities had not been all that smooth either since the last quarter
of 2011.
IPC Secretary General Frank Leonard recounted that in late February 2012,
seven journalists appointed by the club to cover the Vice President’s official
tour of Iringa Region had to take shelter inside a passenger bus they were
travelling in as the authorities allegedly ignored providing them with hotel
accommodation.
Mr. Leonard said IPC was so infuriated by the treatment that it organized
a peaceful march to protest the rise in the prevalence of harassment of
media practitioners on duty by regional authorities.
He added that the demonstration was also meant to send signals to regional
authorities that “IPC members are not affiliated to any political party but are
professionals and disciples of public interest journalism”.
On March 6, 2012, regional police authorities notified IPC that they saw no
problem with the holding of the demonstration – and it was held without
incident.
The IPC secretary admitted that relations between the two sides “sort of
normalized” after the protest march as the then RPC vowed to address the
differences to ensure that cooperation and mutual understanding became the
rule rather than the exception.
Mr. Leonard described the sudden turn of events culminating in Mwangosi’s
killing, which occurred while the Channel Ten TV journalist was covering
Chadema political activities at Nyololo village in Mufindi District, as “a
shocking and unexpected experience”.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
4
3.0 Mandate
The probe team’s mandate derives from Article 3 (e) of the MCT Constitution,
which gives one of the council’s objectives as:
To maintain a register of developments likely to restrict the supply of information of
public interest and importance, keep a review of the same, and investigate the conduct
and attitude of persons, corporations and governmental bodies at all levels, towards
the media, and make public reports on such investigations.
3.1 Objective
The objective of the investigation was to document the circumstances that
led to journalist Daudi Mwangosi’s killing. As noted above, the investigation
was independent and was not meant as a police inquiry or judicial inquest –
only as an honest documentation of the state of affairs surrounding the first
ever killing of a Tanzanian journalist on duty.
4.0 Terms of Reference
The Investigation Team was guided by the following Terms of Reference:
4.1 General Objective
Investigate the circumstances surrounding and leading to Daudi Mwangosi’s
killing.
4.2 Specific Objectives
Study the history of the existence of unfriendly relations between IPC and
Iringa regional administrative authorities.
Interview Nyololo villagers on factors behind bad blood between police on
the one hand and Chadema and journalists on the other.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
5
Gather relevant information from members of the public, IPC and journalists
who were at the scene of violence and subsequent killing.
Independently analyse media, police and other reports and allegations
related to the incident.
5.0 Timeframe
The assignment took eight days – September 5 to 12, 2012.
6.0 Methodology
The team went about the investigation as follows:
First, it reviewed documents and newspaper clippings relevant to the
investigation so as to get as much background on the matter as possible. This
included the provision in MCT’s Constitution on the council’s mandate to
undertake or commission the undertaking of such investigations.
Secondly, it closely scrutinized media coverage, including still pictures, audio
and audiovisuals on the September 2, 2012 killing , most especially
preliminary police accounts vis-à-vis solid findings from the field obtained by
the probe team. All statements by police and the Home Affairs minister Dr.
Emmanuel Nchimbi relating to the killing that were made prior to the
formation of special probe committee by Minister for Home Affairs Dr.
Emmanuel Nchimbi on September 4, 2012 were subjected to in-depth
analysis.
Finally, there was field investigation. This involved travelling to Iringa
Region for, among other things, interviews with selected individuals and
journalists present at Nyololo village on the day of the killing. The open-
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
6
ended interview method was adopted for which investigators asked
respondents random questions.
The key approach was face-to-face conversations between investigators and
the respondents, including some Nyololo villagers. Investigative journalism
skills were deployed and helped the team achieve the objectives it was
expected to achieve. The process generated facts on the strength of which
conclusions were drawn, as appears in this report.
7.0 Findings
7.1 Preliminary Remarks
On September 2, 2012, two well-attended press conferences were held in
addressed by Iringa RPC Michael Kamuhanda at his offices in the morning.
The topic was the police decision to ban all planned opposition Chadema
political party meetings and rallies in Iringa Region aimed at implementing
the opposition party’s countrywide political campaign known as Movement
for Change (M4C).
The RPC said the national population and housing census, previously slated
for August 26 through September 1, 2012, had been extended by the
government to September 8, 2012. He added that, in the circumstances, all
social and political gatherings suspended till the census was over.
Journalists at the conference admitted that Daudi Mwangosi was the only
reporter who asked the RPC such ‘hard questions’ at the event that the latter
became visibly annoyed.
One of the questions asked by Mwangosi was what constituted a correct
definition of ‘internal party meeting’ based on Chadema officials’ claims that
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
7
the party was not out to hold demonstrations or rallies but all it had in mind
was the opening of branches in Iringa Region.
IPC Secretary General Leonard recalled one question floated by Mwangosi at
the conference: why CCM was freely holding political rallies while Chadema
was systematically being slapped with police sanctions.
When Mwangosi demanded clarification from the RPC, the latter retorted:
“This is an order and police won’t entertain any argument on this issue.”
A communiqué from the RPC reminded politicians, political parties and
members of the public that political party rallies were banned owing to the
extension of the census.
Shortly after the RPC’s press conference, some police officers hinted on the
possibility of things not being the same again at Nyololo village
The MCT investigation team had an audience with Iringa-based journalists:
Clement Sanga of Mwananchi Communications Ltd and Oliver Motto, who
freelances for Mtanzania newspaper, Star TV and Radio Free Africa.
They recounted that after the press conference, as journalists were walking out
of the regional police headquarters, police officers whose identities were not
immediately established cautioned journalists against “venturing” to Nyololo
to cover Chadema political activities owing to so-called potential risks.
The second press conference was called in the afternoon (the same day) by
Chadema and addressed by the party’s Secretary General, Dr. Wilbroad Slaa,
and M4C operations commander Benson Kigaila.
The party strongly defended its M4C campaigns, accusing police of
“conspiratorial efforts and malicious actions aimed at sabotaging M4C”. It
declared that police were fond of discriminating against opposition parties
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
8
while favouring ruling CCM party and still claiming to be enforcing law and
order.
Chadema submitted that, despite the police order ostensibly banning political
rallies until the census was over, CCM by-election campaigns were allowed
to take place in Bububu constituency,
inaugurated on the Sunday of September 2, 2012 (the same day Daudi
Mwangosi was killed!) by
Bilal.
Chadema vowed to continue with its M4C campaigns in Iringa Region,
including opening party branches in Nyololo village on September 2, 2012 –
but without rallies.
The party’s officials stuck to their guns and proceeded to Nyololo village to
open party branches. Iringa RPC Michael Kamuhanda assembled several of
the officers under him in three fully packed, open police vehicles and
proceeded to trail Chadema officials.
The two sides then found themselves together at a spot in Nyololo village,
where Chadema leaders had planned to open two party branches. The
branches opened are three kilometers apart, separated by the Dar es Salaam-
Tunduma highway.
The sketch, not drawn to scale on page 16, sets an all-inclusive stage of the
scenes, as detailed by eyewitnesses and refined by MCT field investigations.
For purposes of illustration, the two scenes are differently marked as [A] in
reference to “sanity scenario” and [B] for “bloody scenario”.
On one scene [A], sanity overrode police decisions – and actions, chaos and
blood shedding were avoided; on the other scene [B], excessive use of force
by police was manifested, leading to the killing of Daudi Mwangosi and the
injuring of several other Iringa-based journalists and Chadema party cadres.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
9
7.2 Sanity Scenario [A]
This is the first place where a Chadema office is located – on sloppy terrain
south-east of the dusty road that traverses Nyololo village.
Eyewitnesses (journalists and villagers) submitted that, upon arrival at the
party branch site, Chadema officials and members disembarked from their
cars ready for business. A yellow ribbon cordoned off the site to restrain
people from assembling around the office block and create an impression
that a rally or meeting was due to be held there – which would be
contravening the police “ban”.
No sooner had Chadema internal meeting started than a contingent of armed
police Field Force Unit (FFU) officer descended on the precinct, in a V-shaped
military manoeuvre, under the command of the Regional Crimes Officer
(RCO) SSP Nyigesa Wankyo.
The FFU commander at the scene, Florent Mnunka, instructed police to raise
a red-flagged banner warning the people assembled in the area to disperse,
failing which they would be forcible removed. The commander repeatedly
declared: “All people gathered here are hereby ordered by the
shall use force!” Three such warnings later, the OC-CID instructed police to
move closer to the Chadema office.
Upon approaching Sanity Scene [A] area, Chadema M4C operations
commander Benson Kigaila and other leaders got out of the office building
and pleaded with the FFU commander to restrain the officers under his
command from unnecessary use of force because no Chadema rally was lined
up, anyway.
The other Chadema leaders with Kigaila were Wilfred Lwakatare and
Deputy Secretary General (
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
10
The two parties tussled for a while over the definition of “internal party
meeting” and whether what Chadema was doing was any different from
political rallies banned by police.
Audiovisual evidences captured by journalists then on location show the war
of words between police and Chadema officials which ensued at Sanity
Scene [A] as follows:
Benson Kigaila: “We are within our branch office, we know the law; this is
a Chadema branch.”
FFU Commander: “We warn you, please, hold your meeting inside the
office.”
Benson Kigaila: “We are not going anywhere.”
FFU Commander: “Go inside.”
The RCO then abruptly intervened and “advised” Chadema leaders to direct
their members to get inside the party’s office. The members obeyed the
directive but the office was too small to accommodate all of them.
RCO insists: “This is an unlawful gathering, please get inside.”
Chadema National youth wing chairperson John Heche responds: “What is
the problem? If you have been sent to kill, open fire and kill…we are here to
stay.”
One Chadema cadre is then heard from the video telling police: “Yesterday
CCM cadres returned their election forms, complete with demonstrations
and jubilation… We are not going anywhere.”
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
11
John Heche continues argument with police: “You need to know the laws
before doing your job.”
Some semblance of common understanding is later reached between the RCO
and Chadema officials, and the commander orders his officers to refrain from
any use of force.
One police officer remarks, though: “They are wasting our time…aahh they
are taking our time. Apparently, this officer was not impressed by the last
order from his boss, the RCO, requiring the contingent refrain from using of
force.”
Journalists Vs RPC Kamuhanda
Iringa RPC Kamuhanda arrived at the Sanity Scene [A] a few minutes after
the RCO, FFU officers and Chadema officials had settled their differences
and agreed on the definition and implication of Chadema’s “internal
meetings”. Journalists including Daudi Mwangosi then greeted him with a
flurry of questions related to differences of opinion between Chadema and
police.
Mwangosi asks RPC: “These people are within their office compound, is
there any trouble so far caused due to their planned activities?”
RPC replies: “I have already told you not to be too argumentative. What I
have told you is that I have banned all political rallies…Don’t come up with
the same arguments come morning, evening, afternoon or sunset…Why is it
important to ask us what we are here for?”
Another journalist (Name not given): “I guess you (RPC) are the one who is
too argumentative.”
RPC: What I have banned are political rallies, but all indoor activities can
take place…So far no trouble experienced.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
12
RPC continues: “We have succeeded in containing the rallies and riots…, if
they want to conduct inside meetings they can continue.”
Mwangosi: “…just as they are now doing…!”
RPC: “As they have been doing since the day before yesterday.”
After some further exchange of words, the RPC says: “We want the leaders;
we will never bother with people who have just assembled here. Our target
now is to deal with the ones who have called the meeting…, they are the
source of everything, and they are breaching the official order.”
He continues:We are afraid of injuring people unnecessarily, so we will deal
with leaders, who are just a small group and easier to handle. Now, no
meetings, this one (gathering) is being held outside.
Mwangosi interrupts: “Is this a meeting?”
RPC orders the crowd to proceed with the (internal) meeting inside: “Go
inside.”
A journalist carrying cameras then shoots up and asks: “What if the room is
too small to accommodate all the people around?”
RPC: “We will arrest you leaders if you are adamant…”
Voice from presumed Chadema leader: “We will keep being here.”
RPC: “Yes, and you are so few, we can handle you.”
The person replies: “Aah! No problem…how many years did Mandela stay
in prison?”
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
13
RPC: “Even thirty years, but you have mentioned Mandela, are you
Mandela?”
While the journalists were busy questioning the RPC, Chadema officials
conducted their meeting, and it ended peacefully. With that, the party’s
business for the moment was done, journalists having done their job without
any harassment.
Then Chadema cadres boarded their cars and headed north-west to the other
office. At Sanity Scene [A], neither gas canisters nor live bullets fired were
fired to scare people – and there was no casualty.
7.3 Bloody Scene [B]
As soon as Chadema officials were through with the party branch opening
ceremony at Sanity Scene [A], they shifted to what eventually turned out to
be Bloody Scene [B] to accomplish the same.
It takes less than twenty minutes’ walk to that other Chadema office. As party
officials moved to that scene, police closely followed them. Journalists too
followed them to complete coverage of the event. But something sinister
happened even before the FFU contingent had reached the Bloody Scene [B]
precincts.
According to eyewitnesses, the RPC summoned the RCO and openly
expressed anger over the ‘peaceful’ handling of Chadema affairs at Sanity
Scene [A].
Apparently, the RCO retreated before approaching Bloody Scene [B], and
the direct command of police decisions and actions at Bloody Scene [B] was
left in the hands of his boss – RPC Kamuhanda.
A much similar scenario of argumentation with journalists ensued as had
happened at Sanity Scene [A]. At this point, Chadema cadres were
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
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TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
14
assembled outside their office chanting: “They are used to killing, they are
used to killing”, which left police far from impressed.
All hell broke loose when the RPC ordered the arrest of Chadema leaders at
the scene. In response to the orders, according to eyewitnesses, police first
violently stormed into the party’s office, firing tear gas canisters and ordering
party leaders to surrender.
Following the decision by police to use force, M4C regional leader Kigaila
pleaded with the few followers and office bearers around “to surrender by
sitting down and raising their hands”.
Two journalists interviewed by the MCT probe team, Clement Sanga of
Mwananchi Communications Ltd and Mtanzania, Star TV and Radio Free
Africa freelance correspondent Oliver Motto said they witnessed the violent
incident live at Nyololo village while taking cover by the roadside, a few
meters from Bloody Scene B.
They testified that although Chadema cadres complied with their leader’s
(Kigaila) pleas that they sit down and raise their hands to signal surrender,
police went on to fire live bullets and tear gas canisters into the air while
using batons and boots to punish journalists and other people around.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
15
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
16
7.4 Freaks at Bloody Drama Scene B
One of the confounding aspects of the bloody drama at Scene B was the
presence of very few civilians (Chadema cadres and journalists combined),
outnumbered many times over by police. Eyewitness accounts and still
pictures and video clips prove this beyond any shadow of doubt.
Nyololo villagers interviewed for this report said that on the Saturday of
September 1, 2012, people believed to be plain clothed police toured the area,
warning residents of serious – even fatal – consequences if they were to
attend banned Chadema branch opening activities. They claimed to have
even been advised to vacate the area during the next day’s afternoon hours,
the time Chadema had scheduled to hold its activities.
The scare strategy worked out very well, with local residents interviewed
admitting that they were ignorant of the existence of bad blood between
Chadema and scuffles and heeded the advice and left the vicinity.
A woman preferring anonymity said she learnt of the violence and
subsequent killing of the journalist in the village when she returned home in
the evening. In response to the scare rumours circulated on September 1,
2012, she had planned to visit a distant relative instead as “an escape option”.
7.5 Daudi Mwangosi’s Killing
After the peaceful conclusion of news coverage at Sanity Scene [A],
journalists graciously approached what was later to turn out to be a deathtrap
at Bloody Scene [B], from the south-east direction across the
Dar-Tunduma highway, to finalise their work.
On looking back, Daudi Mwangosi saw a contingent of policemen roughing
up Nipashe newspaper’s Iringa bureau chief, Godfrey Mushi (32).
This reporter said he was beaten until he lost consciousness and only
recovered while at Mafinga police station. His work camera, notebook and
pen are yet to be recovered.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
17
With Mushi still being battered by police, Mwangosi rushed to the scene,
appealing to them to refrain stop roughing up the former “as he is a mere
journalist”.
But police would not heed the plea fro mercy. Instead, the entire contingent
hauled the unconscious Mushi into their van and violently descended on
Daudi Mwangosi himself, with batons and tear gas canisters, first knocking
him unconscious.
On seeing this, Tanzania Daima newspaper reporter Abdallah Said rushed to
the RPC’s commanding base in a police-labelled Land Cruiser vehicle, again
entreating the commander to order his subordinates to stop beating Daudi
Mwangosi.
Apparently dismayed after witnessing the brutality to which police officers
were subjecting Mwangosi to, Mafinga OCD Asseri Mwampamba sought to
intervene. He ordered and later beseeched his subordinates to stop further
unleashing brutality on Mwangosi.
ITV reporter Renatus Mutabuzi, who covered the event live, confirmed to
the investigation team that OCD Asseri’s attempt to intervene and protect
Mwangosi from more police beating simply did not work.
As police officers continued to batter Mwangosi, the hapless journalist tried
to shield himself from the attackers by first, embracing the OCD Asseri
Mwampamba, and then taking cover under his legs to avoid worse torture –
but all in vain.
Fortunately, operating as undercover agents, some Iringa-based journalists
were still able to take still pictures and audio-video clips on the fracas.
Journalists from
Scene B because, unlike their fellow from Iringa, they were not targeted by
police as such.
A woman present at Bloody Scene B testified that she lied down close to the
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
18
point where Daudi Mwangosi was killed, pretending to have died in order
to avoid further brutal beatings from the FFU men. One of those injured in the
scuffle (she was badly injured and admitted to
three days), she spoke to the team on condition of anonymity.
The woman submitted that she saw reporter Abdallah Said running towards
the RPC’s vehicle and pleading with him to order the commander’s
subordinates to stop beating Mwangosi.
The RPC didn’t heed the reporter’s plea and, instead, rolled up his vehicle’s
left window door mirror. A few seconds later, a horn blast was heard from
the RPC’s vehicle and there were simultaneous explosions of tear gas
canisters that instantly killed Mwangosi.
Because the late Mwangosi was still hiding between OCD Asseri
Mwampamba’s legs, the latter was also seriously injured in the tear gas shell
attack. Still photographs show a police officer firing a tear gas shell into
Daudi’s stomach from close range.
The woman asserted that Mwangosi was killed under the close watch of RPC
Michael Kamuhanda. For Abdallah Said and the woman witness, the
coincidence of the horn blast and the explosions remains a big puzzle.
Immensely shocked by what had just happened, OCD Asseri Mwampamba
agonized after the tear gas canister explosion and he remarked: So, what have
you done?
7.6 Contradictory Official Statements
Authoritative but contradictory police reports on Mwangosi’s killing were
accessed through different media outlets beginning on the Monday of
September 3, 2012. The respective official authorities had retracted none of
the statements until the time of compiling this report.
The statements, specific sources and media outlets that covered them are
summarized in the table below:
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
19
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
20
Official Press Statements
Statement (s)
Mwangosi died from a heavy
object that had been thrown
by demonstrators
• Police deny any deliberate
involvement in the death of
the journalist.
• Joint military police inquiry
would be conducted into
the journalist’s death.
• After the break-up of the
riot, Mwangosi ran towards
the direction of police, and
a bomb like device was
thrown from the
stampeding crowd and
blew up Mwangosi.
• Several other people were
injured, including some
police officers.
• I am not in a position to
speak because am right
now at Iringa Regional
Hospital’s morgue
• Refuses to comment on the
cause of death but confirms
one person had died
• Confirms the death of one
person but not sure
whether the deceased was
Channel Ten journalist
Source
Iringa RPC, Michael
Kamuhanda
Police
Commissioner of
Operations, Paul
Chagonja
Information
obtained from police
headquarters
Iringa RPC Michael
Kamuhanda
RPC Michael
Kamuhanda.
Iringa RPC Michael
Kamuhanda
Media Outlet/Date/Issue
No.
• Committee for
Protection of
Journalists (CPJ).
3/09/2012
Online
• Channel Ten
broadcast, morning of
September 3, 2012
Reuters
4/09/2012
Online
Habari Leo
03/09/2012
02083
1-Lead
• Channel Ten
broadcast, morning of
September 3, 2012
The Daily News
3/09/2012
10726
Lead Story
Nipashe newspaper
quotes Channel Ten
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
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21
• RPC refused commenting
saying he was attending a
meeting
• Denies allegations that
police killed the journalist.
• What caused the death is an
object thrown by the rowdy
crowd. Police are
investigating.
• Police was dispersing the
crowd. A journalist was
running away from the
crowd towards police
officers. The object also
injured several other people
and some police officers,
including the OCS.
• They will not take long to
accomplish the
investigation because many
witnesses are known.
• The remains of Mwangosi
already collected for
analysis
• A journalist was killed by a
tear gas canister which was
not handled properly by
law enforcers.
• We will not be in a position
to say who was responsible
for the killing until the two
investigation teams
complete their work and
submit their findings. That
is when legal steps can be
taken against culprits.
Police official
spokesperson
Advera Senso
DCI Robert
Manumba
Home Affairs
minister Dr.
Emmanuel Nchimbi
(He was quoted by
MCT Executive
Secretary Kajubi
Mukajanga)
Dr. Emmanuel
Nchimbi – Minister
for Home Affairs
Nipashe Newspaper
03/09/2012
03/09/2012
Lead
Mwananchi newspaper
03/09/2012
Lead
Daily News
04/09/2012
Front Page story
Habari Leo
04/09/2012
02084
Lead
Daily News
05/09/2012
10, 728
Second Lead (front)
7.7 Official Statements in Context
On the one hand, the Home Affairs Minister admitted on September 4, 2012
that Daudi Mwangosi was killed by a ‘mishandled’ tear gas shell, the
following morning the Iringa RPC appeared on national television seeking to
blame the ‘crowd of Chadema supporters’ for throwing a heavy object that
exploded and killed Mwangosi alongside injuring several other people
including three police officers.
Eyewitnesses and facts on the ground as captured on video and in still
pictures show that there was no ‘crowd’ of such supporters but rather
journalists and no more than a score of Chadema leaders, who were well
outnumbered and overpowered by the police contingent. Yet, the RPC swore
that there was an unruly ‘crowd’.
Likewise, police and other official statements fell conspicuously short of
mentioning that a similar activity had taken place at Sanity Scene A
completely without violence.
On September 12, 2012 a person identified as Police Constable Cleophase
Pasifious Simon (23) was charged with Mwangosi’s murder. Yet,
photographic evidence suggests that before his killing, Mwangosi was
surrounded and assaulted by no fewer than seven police officers – most of
them in uniform! One police officer could be clearly seen directing his gun at
the journalist’s stomach.
The fact that the police constable has been arrested and arraigned
corroborates what the Home Affairs minister first told MCT Executive
Secretary Kajubi Mukajanga about a ‘mishandled’ tear gas canister. This was
contrary to cover-up efforts by RPC Kamuhanda and police officers at police
headquarters in
Surprisingly, while addressing a press conference in Iringa on September 5,
2012 that later aborted, Director of Criminal Investigations Robert Manumba
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
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NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
22
suggested that aid “incidents of this nature are bound to occur and will
continue to occur”. Obviously, given the bizarre nature of these remarks, he
was widely quoted in the media.
Apparently, Manumba made the remarks when innocently pleading for
“understanding” from members of the press corps in Iringa who had objected
to attending a press briefing he had called unless all Iringa-based police
officers vacated the press meeting venue. This protest was in line with IPC’s
decision to boycott the reporting of any police activity in the region until
investigations into Mwangosi’s killing were completed and the findings
made public.
8.0 The Rest is History
What amazed journalists at that point in time was the fact that police
suddenly turned against them. Even after the journalists had learnt that they
were facing an uncertain future vis-à-vis the law-enforcers and some had
begun taking cover in surrounding bushes, police still pursued them and
aimed tear gas canisters at those seen fleeing.
IPC Deputy Secretary General Francis Godwin, a freelance journalist who
said he witnessed the Mwangosi killing, recounted that two police officers
chased him deep into the bush at Nyololo village and he was forced to
abandon his car, only to return deep at night to recover it.
Deep into their temporary hide-outs, some journalists were helping Abdallah
Said rub off particles of human flesh splashed from Daudi Mwangosi’s body.
Shortly after the morning press conference at the RPC’s offices journalists in
the briefing chamber recounted that one unidentified plain clothed police
officer approached Mwangosi and remarked: “What is the point if going to
Nyololo to cover Chadema activities may end in your own demise?”
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
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NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
23
All smile, Mwangosi retorted: “If I die today, my remains will not be buried
in the ground but in the hearts of the people.” It was as if he was predicting
his death.
IPC Secretary General Frank Leonard was meanwhile “completely at a loss”
as to why police turned against his fellow journalists.
“Every 11am, we attend press conferences called by the RPC at his offices. We
and his officers know one another – on first name terms. It remains a great
puzzle why they so violently turned against journalists as to take Daudi
Mwangosi’s life,” he said.
At Scene [A], where sanity was allowed to prevail and guide police decisions
and actions, chaos and blood shedding was avoided; meanwhile, at Scene
[B], excesses by reigned, leading to the killing of Daudi Mwangosi and the
injuring of several other Chadema party cadres.
9.0 Domestic and international condemnation
MCT
The Media Council of Tanzania condemned Mwangosi’s killing as directly
threatening freedom of the press. “This is the first incident that has ever
occurred in
MCT Executive Secretary Kajubi Mukajanga is extensively quoted by media.
MCT demanded that the relevant authorities do whatever was humanly
possible to make sure that the truth of what actually took place on the day of
the tragic event was revealed.
The Council also condemned the incriminating of a journalist with political
activities and associating him with a political party while he was just fulfilling
his professional obligations to society.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
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JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
24
UTPC
The Union of Tanzania Press Clubs similarly condemned the cold-blooded
murder, demanding that the government immediately put to task – even fire
- all police officers involved in the operations that led to the tragic incident.
TEF
The Tanzania Editors Forum issued a strongly worded statement to the same
effect, with Secretary General Neville Meena also noting that it was the first
time in recent history in Tanzania for a journalist to pay the ultimate price
while innocently going about be killed while doing his or her work.
MISA and others
The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), the Committee to Protect
Journalists (CPJ) and ARTICLE 19 all condemned the killing.
Levi Kabwato, MISA’s Programme Specialist for Media Freedom Monitoring
and Research, expressed deep concern over the incident.
“This is very shocking. 2 September 2012, isn’t a dark day for Tanzanian
journalism alone but also for the region and the rest of the world. Violence is
never a solution, it solves nothing. We call upon the government of
to urgently institute an inquiry and bring those responsible for this loss of
life to account,” Kabwato said in a statement.
CPJ meanwhile said Mwangosi’s death was the first work-related fatality for
a journalist recorded in
records in 1992.
A “saddened” ARTICLE 19 made an impassioned appeal to the Government
of
UNESCO
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova denounced the killing, calling for
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
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NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
25
an investigation into the case and demanding that those responsible face the
full wrath of the law.
“It is essential for democracy and rule of law that journalists be allowed to
carry out their duties and exercise their right to free speech safely,“ the UN
agency said in a statement.
10.0 Conclusion and Recommendations
Journalist Daudi Mwangosi’s killing has had a chilling effect on press
freedom particularly in that press freedom presupposes that journalists are
able to do their work without being subjected to intimidation or actual
violence, and are therefore able to report freely without censorship.
As a journalist, Daudi Mwangosi was exercising his constitutional right to
do ‘decent work’, but his life was so cruelly cut short at the age of 38.
For media and journalists in particular, it doesn’t matter whether police had
indeed outlawed or postponed Chadema activities at Nyololo village.
It was in the public interest for the media to report the facts of the activities
as they unfolded and for the audience to make independent but informed
decisions.
In principle, at all times and in all events, good or ugly, journalists should be
seen and treated as neutral agents.
There clearly was use of unwarranted force on unarmed people at Nyololo
village. What was witnessed was a battle pitting armed police against
defenseless journalists – surely, a battle of stones against eggs. Some restraint
on all parties to what happened, armed police in particular, could have easily
forestalled the tragedy we ended up witnessing.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
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JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
26
The MCT team has ruled out the question of mistaken identity. The eight
journalists present at Nyololo village could easily be identified, especially so
after peaceful state of affairs at the Sanity Scene A.
Since all that the journalists were carrying were cameras, notebooks and pens
and most were familiar faces and names to Iringa police officer, it is safe to
conclude that police were all out to hunting down journalists they were
familiar with.
Some of the journalists who covered the skirmishes at Nyololo village pitting
Chadema leaders and cadres against police were from
interviews with the MCT probe team, journalists in the latter category
wondered aloud why it was only their Iringa-based colleagues who were
targeted!
The extent of hostility and antagonism that prevailed between the Iringa RPC
and the late Daudi Mwangosi throughout the hours following the press
conference and until a few minutes before the journalist’s raises more
questions than answers.
Six Iringa-based journalists said they were traumatized by the police violence
unleashed on them and are contemplating quitting journalism. One
confirmed that he plans to become a preacher instead for fear of his life.
The relevant authorities need to design programmes for senior police cadres
to learn how best to deal with media houses and individual journalists. The
aim should be to normalize working relations between the two sides.
This arises from the fact that bad blood developed between Iringa-based
journalists and police officers in the region since the last quarter of last year,
and there has been no let-up.
It defies common intelligence that two similar events occurring on same day
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NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
27
are treated so differently: one is handled with care and restraint from violence
while the other is handled with excessive force targeting particular journalists
and ending in tragedy.
In the first incident, the Iringa RCO decided that Chadema could conduct its
internal affairs peacefully at in party’s own office; in the second, the regional
police chief decided that such activity had to be stopped using whatever
means available.
Partly in reference to the Nyololo clashes between the police and Chadema
supporters, President Jakaya Kikwete’s monthly Speech to the Nation for
September 2012, insisted on the police to avoid excessive use of force where
not necessary, while reminding Tanzanians and politicians to respect the laws
of the land and view the police force as the lawful custodian of peace and
security.
The President clarified that police force has mandate to endorse or prohibit
the right to hold rallies and demonstrations by political parties.
Preliminary high-level official reports on journalist Mwangosi’s killing are
contradictory in both text and context. Analysing them vis-à-vis the abundant
evidence now available shows that it is only fair to conclude that someone
somewhere was planning a massive cover-up scandal.
Arguing that Mwangosi’s killing has soiled
reputation as peaceful and democratic country would be an understatement.
It is noteworthy that the killing coincided with the holding of the World
Association of Press Councils (WAPC) Executive Council Meeting in
WAPC Secretary General Christopher Conybeare had this to say to the
Information, Youth, Culture and Sports minister Dr. Fenella Mukangara:
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
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NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
28
“When journalists are killed, democracy also dies…..this single event has
already begun to tarnish Tanzania’s excellent reputation for media freedom”.
Responding, the minister admitted that Mwangosi’s killing was a sad
incident for Tanzanians in general and the country’s media fraternity in
particular. She expressed hope that the government-sanctioned probe into
the matter would shed useful light on the tragic incident.
Yet, even before findings by media and government investigation teams were
made public, a police constable was arrested and charged with the killing.
Question from the MCT investigation team: Why the pick only on this junior
police officer when at least six other police officers under the close watch and
direct command of the RPC Michael Kamuhanda are closely associated with
the journalist’s harassment, torture and killing? Why the rest are still on the
loose baffles logic.
However, investigations by the MCT team could not establish if the killing of
Mwangosi was pre-meditated.
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
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NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
29
Submitted to Media Council of Tanzania (MCT) on October 5, 2012 in
Fulfilment of Requirements of Terms of Reference given by the Council.
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JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
30
11.0 Select Pictures on Mwangosi’s Killing
Jovial Daudi
Mwangosi
(circled)
engaging Iringa
RPC Michael
Kamuhanda (R)
at Nyalolo
village moments
before his killing.
Men in uniform
on standby
posion at
Nyololo village
Policemen
surround and
brutally beat
late Mwangosi.
He died right
there
Embagoed Until Tuesday
9th October, 2012, 12.30 pm
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REPORT BY SPECIAL TEAM FORMED BY MEDIA COUNCIL
OF TANZANIA (MCT) AND TANZANIA EDITORS FORUM (TEF)
TO INVESTIGATE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE KILLING OF
JOURNALIST DAUDI MWANGOSI ON SEPTEMBER 2, 2012, AT
NYOLOLO VILLAGE IN MUFINDI DISTRICT, IRINGA REGION
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