Police in Tabora have arrested three individuals accused of staging a fake kidnapping in order to fraudulently obtain money from family members.
Regional Police Commander CP Richard Abwao said the suspects—Khadija Jimmy Murijo, 39, her sister-in-law, Ashura Swalehe, 48, and Vitus Joseph, 34—conspired to report that Khadija had been abducted by unknown assailants.
According to police investigations, the suspects created the false narrative to extort funds from Khadija’s husband, Emmanuel Peter Mchali.
They are alleged to have pocketed TZS 1,385,800 out of the TZS 2 million they demanded as ransom.
Commander Abwao said the suspects initially claimed that Khadija had been kidnapped in Ulyankulu.
However, detectives uncovered that she had instead travelled to Vumilia Village in Urambo District.
Financial tracing further revealed that the group withdrew the extorted money in Kaliua District.
He said investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be arraigned once procedures are completed.
Emmanuel said he received a distress call from his wife on the day of the incident, claiming she had been abducted.
Shortly afterwards, a man using her phone issued threats and demanded TZS 2 million for her release.
Emmanuel said the threats forced him to borrow money to meet the suspects’ demands.
Ashura Swalehe, one of the accused, admitted to participating in the plan after being influenced by her sister-in-law.
She claimed she agreed because her husband, a retired Tanzania People’s Defence Force officer, had allegedly failed to support her and their child despite having a reliable income.
She said the financial pressure had left her struggling to meet daily needs.
Police have cautioned the public against fabricating criminal incidents for personal gain, warning that misuse of security systems undermines public safety and will attract severe legal consequences.
