Tanzanian police have uncovered the remains of ten individuals, including two infants, believed to be victims of ritual killings in the Singida and Dodoma regions. The grim discovery is part of an ongoing investigation into the deaths linked to a traditional healer, Nkamba Kasubi, whose confession led authorities to multiple burial sites.
According to police spokesperson David Misime, the investigation initially began with the discovery of three bodies at Kasubi’s residence. Further questioning of the healer led to the revelation of six additional graves in Dodoma, where more victims were found.
Among the identified victims are 28-year-old Seni Jishabi, who was last seen in March 2024 and later buried in April; 27-year-old Mohamed Juma from Singida, who was allegedly strangled and buried after disappearing in May 2024; and 27-year-old Daudi Msanku from Manyara, whose body was reportedly burned, with the ashes stored by the suspects.
Tragically, the remains of a two-month-old infant, who was reportedly buried alive in March 2023, and a four-month-old baby, similarly buried in June 2023, were also discovered.
The victims were reportedly buried in seated positions, reflecting ritualistic practices rooted in superstition. One suspect, Miraji Shabani Nyalandu, was caught attempting to flee when police began rounding up those involved.
Among the other victims was 80-year-old Ramadhani Bakari Kilesa, whose body was disposed of in a Game Reserve after his murder. His remains were found on July 25, 2024.
‘The remains of all ten victims, including those found in Singida and Dodoma, were buried in pits as part of the suspects’ ritualistic beliefs,’ Misime stated. The police have called on the public to assist in eradicating such deeply ingrained superstitions that continue to lead to such heinous acts.
Ritual killings remain a troubling reality in Tanzania, where belief in witchcraft and superstition still pervades some communities. The country has faced particularly horrific crimes targeting vulnerable groups, including people with albinism, whose body parts are believed to possess magical properties.
In response to these crimes, the Tanzanian government has established special police units to investigate and prosecute those responsible. Public awareness campaigns have also been launched to educate communities about the dangers of superstition and the need to protect human life. Despite these efforts, ritual killings driven by cultural beliefs continue to occur in secrecy, highlighting the ongoing challenge of addressing deeply rooted superstitions.
