Verdict Day for Milembe Suleman’s Murder: High-Stakes Judgment Awaits Four Accused

By Adonis Byemelwa

The fate of four accused of murdering Milembe Suleman, a former employee of the Geita Gold Mine (GGM), will be known today, July 19, 2024. Presiding Judge Kelvin Mhina is expected to deliver the verdict in case number 39 of 2023 after hearing evidence from both sides. The accused, Dayfath Maunga (30), Safari Labingo (54), Genja Deus Pastory, and Musa Pastory (33), all face a single charge of premeditated murder.

The trial began on May 24, 2023, with the hearing at the High Court in Geita starting on April 8, 2024, and concluding on June 28, 2024. The prosecution presented 29 witnesses and 19 exhibits, after which the court acquitted the fifth defendant, Cecilia Macheni, due to insufficient evidence.

The remaining four defendants denied involvement in the murder and pleaded for acquittal. Key testimonies revealed a web of incriminating evidence. The second and third witnesses described how the victim's phones were found in a toilet, led there by the third accused, Genja Pastory.

 Assistant Inspector of Police Peter Joseph testified that fingerprint samples matched those of Genja Pastory. The Geita Regional Hospital's medical officer, Christopher Matola, confirmed that Milembe died from severe bleeding caused by multiple sharp cuts.

Further, the eleventh prosecution witness detailed how Dayfath Maunga sought out hitmen and paid TZS 2.6 million for the job. The thirteenth witness narrated how Genja Pastory confessed to the murder, posing as a traditional healer to gain access to Milembe.

In a chilling account, Genja described attacking Milembe with a machete on April 25, 2023, while pretending to perform rituals at Milembe's construction site in Mwatulole.

Police Corporal Hashimu testified about the arrest process, explaining that on May 1, 2023, Dayfath Maunga was apprehended at Milembe's home in Usagara, Mwanza. Maunga's interrogation led to the capture of Safari Labingo, Musa Pastory, and ultimately Genja Pastory, who was found seeking protection from a traditional healer, Cecilia Macheni.

Government Chemist Office representative Ally Kanenda provided DNA evidence linking blood on the machete's handle to Genja Pastory. Despite this, the accused maintained their innocence. Dayfath Maunga admitted to living at Milembe's house and managing her cosmetic shop and lending business but denied any motive to kill her.

Safari Labingo claimed no acquaintance with Maunga and denied any conspiracy. Genja Pastory challenged the fingerprint evidence and denied showing the police the machete's location. Musa Pastory also denied any involvement or knowledge of the co-accused.

The court's impending judgment underscores the complex interplay of circumstantial evidence and witness testimonies in seeking justice for Milembe Suleman. The outcome hinges on whether the prosecution has successfully proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt or if the defense's pleas for acquittal will prevail.

 Milembe's brutal murder has shaken the community, sparking widespread calls for justice and heightened scrutiny of the judicial process. The verdict will not only bring closure to Milembe's family but also set a precedent for how such cases are handled in the future, impacting public trust in the legal system and its ability to deliver justice in cases of such gravity.