Arusha Regional Police Commander SACP Justine Masejo. Photo: Courtesy
By The Respondent reporter
Arusha–The Arusha Regional Police Force, October 13, 2024, dismissed claims circulating in some media outlets that receipts found in the house where the body of 8-year-old Mariam Juma was discovered on October 12, 2024, are linked to ritualistic killings.
Arusha Regional Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Justine Masejo, clarified that an investigation into the matter has revealed the truth behind the receipts found at the scene.
The house belonged to one Ramji Hatibu Mlacha, a prominent member of the local Wapare community, who was also involved with the Usangi Mutual Aid Society (U.U.K.K).
The organization provides financial support for funeral arrangements when a member passes away, with each member required to contribute, and receipts issued to acknowledge these contributions.
The receipts, which some media outlets have sensationalized as proof of ritual killings, were found to be related to this legitimate activity, not witchcraft.
Commander Masejo stressed that the claims of witchcraft are baseless, urging the public to avoid being misled by unverified information. Clothing items discovered in the house, including children's sweaters, were confirmed to belong to the children and grandchildren who lived in the residence.
In addition, the police have issued a warning to individuals who engage in spreading false information without proper verification from authorities. Commander Masejo also condemned the actions of individuals who took the law into their own hands, vandalizing the suspect's home.
The police had already arrested the suspects involved in the murder and responded swiftly to the situation. The Arusha Police continue to investigate the murder of Mariam Juma and caution the public against misinformation and unlawful acts.