A 22-year-old man accused of killing his 63-year-old uncle with a machete has died after being attacked by an angry mob in Ubungo District, highlighting the dangers of mob justice as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the two deaths.
The incident occurred on October 18, 2026, in the Mungu Mwema area of Hongoro, according to the Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone commander.
Police identified the uncle as Humphrey Elisamon, also known as Msoka, a resident of Hongoro, who reportedly sustained a severe head injury after being attacked with a machete by his nephew, Dickson Elimringi Msoka, 22.
Dickson, who also lived in Hongoro, was subsequently attacked by residents near the scene before police officers arrived.
According to police, officers found the younger man in critical condition when they reached the scene. He died while being rushed to hospital for treatment.
The motive behind the alleged killing remains unclear, with police saying investigations are under way to establish what triggered the confrontation between the two relatives.
The incident has raised concerns over the use of mob violence in response to suspected crimes, particularly the risk of further loss of life before suspects can be brought before the courts.
Police urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, emphasising the need to report suspected criminal acts and disputes to the relevant authorities.
The Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone called on communities to work with local leaders, legal authorities, social institutions and religious leaders to resolve disputes before they escalate into violence.
Police also encouraged residents to participate in the Ongea na Kamanda (Talk to the Commander) campaign, an initiative through which police commanders visit communities to listen to residents' concerns and address security challenges.
Residents of Dar es Salaam were urged to turn out during the visits and use the platform to report crime-related concerns and seek solutions to problems affecting their neighbourhoods.
Police said investigations into the incident were continuing.