A fourth-grade student was discovered with severe injuries—his hands were cut with a razor blade and burned with an iron. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
In Temeke District, Dar es Salaam, a troubling case has emerged involving Ms. Hilda Kifanga, a resident of Vigoa Street, Chamazi Ward. Ms. Kifanga was detained on 23 August 2024, by local police on allegations of severe child abuse. The accusations came to light following an investigation led by Mr. Deogratias Muchunguzi, head teacher of Omega Lilies Pre and Primary School.
Muchunguzi reported that a fourth-grade student was discovered with severe injuries—his hands were cut with a razor blade and burned with an iron.
The headteacher explained, "When teachers observed that the child was struggling to write and complained of pain, we took him to Mbande Dispensary. The nurse refused to treat him without a PF3 form, which led us to report the case to the police. The report was filed under RB: MND/RB/2362/2024 on August 23, 2024."
The child, who had been living with his aunt Ms. Hilda Kifanga, revealed to reporters that she had burned him with an iron and cut his hands, accusing him of stealing Sh 5,000. The boy, in tears, insisted he had not stolen the money and expressed fear for his future.
Muchunguzi decided to keep the child at school while the police sought Ms. Kifanga. Upon her arrest, a large crowd gathered, advocating for leniency and seeking to resolve the matter at the police level.
The embattled Hilda Kifanga. Photo: Courtesy
Ms. Kifanga claimed her actions were disciplinary, alleging that the child had accidentally burned himself while ironing clothes. However, these claims were strongly disputed by the Gender and Children’s Desk at Mbande Police Station.
A police officer from the Gender and Children’s Desk asserted, “This case has progressed significantly and must go to court. Severe child abuse cannot be overlooked, especially since this is not the first time Ms. Kifanga has been accused of mistreating children.”
Ms. Kifanga, a Community Development Officer from Kigamboni District, expressed remorse, attributing her regrets to her suckling young child. Despite her apologies, she remains in custody as investigations continue.
The child, who had been living with Ms Kifanga for the past seven years following his mother's abandonment, now faces a grim situation with his father reportedly living abroad.
The child, who had been living with Kifanga for seven years after his mother abandoned him, revealed in an in-camera interview that Kifanga had been using cooking oil on his body instead of proper ointments. The boy also reported being ostracized within Kifanga’s household, which includes her three children, whom he often looks after.
Neighbours, who requested anonymity, reported that the boy has been consistently mistreated and deprived. They noted that while other children bring juice and enjoy special meals at school on Fridays, the boy has received none of these privileges from home.
This distressing case follows another tragic incident on July 9, 2024, when a six-year-old student from Kizuiani Primary School in Temeke was killed and mutilated by an unknown assailant. As well, a case in Mbagala Charambe involved the rape of a two-year-old girl, who was also attacked with a suspected rock and cut with a razor blade.
Community outrage has been palpable, with residents expressing concern over a local young man frequently involved in such crimes, often protected by his parents. There have been widespread calls for increased efforts to combat child abuse and protect vulnerable populations.
In response to growing concerns, Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, the Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, recently announced the formation of a special task force.
This task force will work closely with the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to review and amend existing laws related to child protection. “My ministry had seen the lacuna in section 29 of the Child Act, and already the government is in the process of addressing it,” Gwajima stated in a press release last year. The task force will collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure children are safeguarded amidst the digital age's challenges.
The 2009 Child Act aimed to consolidate and reform laws related to children, stipulating their rights and promoting their welfare. It aligns with international and regional conventions on children's rights and provides for issues such as affiliation, foster care, adoption, custody, and the regulation of employment and apprenticeship. Additionally, the Act addresses provisions for children in conflict with the law.
As the case against Ms. Kifanga progresses, the community and authorities remain vigilant, advocating for justice and improved protections for children. The collaboration between government officials, law enforcement, and community leaders reflects a concerted effort to address and prevent such atrocities.
