A 12-year-old boy has died by suicide in Gairo District after being stopped by his parents from stealing, highlighting growing concerns about children’s behavior and the pressures they face at home.
Morogoro Regional Police Commander, Alex Mkama, said the boy, identified as Rajabu Ally Mohammed from Ijava, was found hanging behind his family home in Kaloleni sub-village, Italagwe ward, early on the morning of March 23, 2026.
Preliminary investigations indicate that on March 22, Rajabu had been caught stealing fresh maize with two friends. His parents reportedly reprimanded him and urged him to abandon such behavior.
“The scolding angered the child, who then tragically decided to take his own life using his trouser belt,” Commander Mkama said.
In a separate incident, police are investigating the sudden death of a 70-year-old man at the Msamvu bus stand in Morogoro Municipality.
The deceased, identified as Reuben Masimba Chedego, a farmer from Chalinze, collapsed shortly after disembarking from a bus coming from Dar es Salaam on the evening of March 22.
Commander Mkama said Mr. Chedego collapsed while attempting to relieve himself. He was rushed to the Morogoro Regional Referral Hospital, but was already deceased upon arrival.
His body remains at the hospital for further investigation and confirmation by relatives.
“These two tragic deaths remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of mental health awareness and community support,” Commander Mkama added.
