Social media has recently circulated a photo showing a man claiming responsibility for the murder of the late CCM Itumbi Branch Chairman, Elia Richard Sambala, aged 53, a resident of Itumbi Village, Chunya District, Mbeya Region.
However, the facts are clear: on February 11, 2026, at around 7:00 PM, Elia Richard Sambala was found injured on his farm with a head wound caused by a sharp object.
He was taken to Chunya District Hospital, but unfortunately passed away shortly after arrival.
Following the incident, the Mbeya Regional Police, through homicide investigators, launched an intensive manhunt.
Two suspects have already been arrested in connection with the case, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend other individuals involved.
Preliminary investigations suggest the motive was a dispute over gold mining land, where one family member leased the land to Chinese investors without consulting other relatives.
The Mbeya Regional Police strongly warn the individual claiming to be a leader of a group called the Tanzania Freedom Fighters (TFF) to stop spreading false information and misusing social media.
Such actions distort facts and risk inciting criminal behavior against institutions, leaders, and citizens.
Police investigations are ongoing, and efforts to locate and arrest the person responsible for these false claims are underway.