Bongo
Flavour artist Joseph Francis. Photo: File
By Adonis Byemelwa
Dodoma
– In a chilling turn of events, the Police Force in Dodoma is currently holding
a security guard linked to the tragic death of renowned Bongo Flavour artist
Joseph Francis (46), widely known by his stage name Mandojo. The artist passed
away on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital, shortly
after being found in a precarious state within the grounds of Nzuguni Catholic
Church.
Speaking
to the media on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, in a widely circulated video clip
aired on Azam TV, Acting Dodoma Regional Police Commander, Anania Amo, provided
details of the incident. According to Amo, the artist was discovered in the
early hours of August 11, 2024, within the confines of the church's perimeter,
specifically inside the dog kennel at the All-Saints Parish in Nzuguni B,
Dodoma.
At
around 5:00 AM on August 11, 2024, Mandojo was found hiding inside one of the
rooms of the dog kennel. The guard on duty, identified as Raphael Kenneth (26),
became suspicious when he heard the dogs barking incessantly outside their
shelter. Upon investigating, Kenneth discovered a man, later identified as
Mandojo, locked inside one of the kennel's two rooms. The guard attempted to
confront Mandojo, leading to a struggle.
Kenneth
then sought help from parishioners arriving early for the first-morning mass.
With the assistance of the worshippers, Kenneth managed to subdue the artist
before the police arrived and took him to the hospital, where he was later
pronounced dead.
The
Police Force is holding Raphael Kenneth for questioning as investigations into
this incident continue. At present, he is the only individual in custody
related to this case. Joseph Francis, known for his significant contributions
to the Tanzanian music scene, leaves behind a legacy of popular hits that
resonated with many. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the
community, with many questioning the circumstances leading to his demise.
His
younger brother, Yohana Chacha, confirmed that Mandojo's burial is scheduled
today Wednesday,14th 2024 in Manyoni District, Singida Region,
following a public viewing today in Ndachi, Dodoma.
According
to Chacha, the family became concerned when Mandojo failed to return home to
his wife in Nzuguni after leaving on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Their search
led them to the central police station, where Mandojo reportedly asked to be
taken to the hospital, only to pass away shortly after arriving in the
emergency department.
The
mysterious death of Mandojo adds to a growing list of alarming incidents in
Tanzania, where killings, abductions, and wanton criminal activities have been
on the rise. Over the past decade, the country has witnessed an increase in
violent crimes, with many cases remaining unsolved, fueling public fear and
distrust in law enforcement agencies.
In
2023, the Tanzania Police Force reported over 1,200 homicide cases, marking a
significant rise compared to previous years. This surge in violence is often
attributed to various factors, including economic hardships, political
tensions, and a weakening social fabric.
Moreover,
the country has seen a disturbing trend in abductions, with several
high-profile cases involving political figures, journalists, and business
leaders.
Statistics
reveal that between 2020 and 2023, there were over 150 reported abductions,
many of which ended in the tragic deaths of the victims. The motives behind
these crimes range from ransom demands to politically motivated attacks,
highlighting the complexity and severity of the situation.
The
Tanzanian government has faced criticism for its handling of these cases, with
human rights organizations calling for more robust measures to protect citizens
and ensure justice for victims. As the nation grapples with these challenges,
the death of a beloved public figure like Mandojo only intensifies the call for
action and accountability.
The
ongoing investigation into Mandojo's death will be closely watched, as it could
either shed light on the broader issues of crime in Tanzania or deepen the
sense of insecurity among the population.
