Tanzania’s Bongo Fleva Star Mandojo Dies Mysteriously; Guard Detained as Violent Crime Rises

By Adonis Byemelwa

Dodoma – In a chilling turn of events, the Police Force in Dodoma is currently holding a security guard linked to the tragic death of renowned Bongo Flavour artist Joseph Francis (46), widely known by his stage name Mandojo. The artist passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital, shortly after being found in a precarious state within the grounds of Nzuguni Catholic Church.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, in a widely circulated video clip aired on Azam TV, Acting Dodoma Regional Police Commander, Anania Amo, provided details of the incident. According to Amo, the artist was discovered in the early hours of August 11, 2024, within the confines of the church's perimeter, specifically inside the dog kennel at the All-Saints Parish in Nzuguni B, Dodoma.

At around 5:00 AM on August 11, 2024, Mandojo was found hiding inside one of the rooms of the dog kennel. The guard on duty, identified as Raphael Kenneth (26), became suspicious when he heard the dogs barking incessantly outside their shelter. Upon investigating, Kenneth discovered a man, later identified as Mandojo, locked inside one of the kennel's two rooms. The guard attempted to confront Mandojo, leading to a struggle.

Kenneth then sought help from parishioners arriving early for the first-morning mass. With the assistance of the worshippers, Kenneth managed to subdue the artist before the police arrived and took him to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The Police Force is holding Raphael Kenneth for questioning as investigations into this incident continue. At present, he is the only individual in custody related to this case. Joseph Francis, known for his significant contributions to the Tanzanian music scene, leaves behind a legacy of popular hits that resonated with many. His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the community, with many questioning the circumstances leading to his demise.

His younger brother, Yohana Chacha, confirmed that Mandojo's burial is scheduled today Wednesday,14^th 2024 in Manyoni District, Singida Region, following a public viewing today in Ndachi, Dodoma.

According to Chacha, the family became concerned when Mandojo failed to return home to his wife in Nzuguni after leaving on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Their search led them to the central police station, where Mandojo reportedly asked to be taken to the hospital, only to pass away shortly after arriving in the emergency department.

The mysterious death of Mandojo adds to a growing list of alarming incidents in Tanzania, where killings, abductions, and wanton criminal activities have been on the rise. Over the past decade, the country has witnessed an increase in violent crimes, with many cases remaining unsolved, fueling public fear and distrust in law enforcement agencies.

In 2023, the Tanzania Police Force reported over 1,200 homicide cases, marking a significant rise compared to previous years. This surge in violence is often attributed to various factors, including economic hardships, political tensions, and a weakening social fabric.

Moreover, the country has seen a disturbing trend in abductions, with several high-profile cases involving political figures, journalists, and business leaders.

Statistics reveal that between 2020 and 2023, there were over 150 reported abductions, many of which ended in the tragic deaths of the victims. The motives behind these crimes range from ransom demands to politically motivated attacks, highlighting the complexity and severity of the situation.

The Tanzanian government has faced criticism for its handling of these cases, with human rights organizations calling for more robust measures to protect citizens and ensure justice for victims. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the death of a beloved public figure like Mandojo only intensifies the call for action and accountability.

The ongoing investigation into Mandojo's death will be closely watched, as it could either shed light on the broader issues of crime in Tanzania or deepen the sense of insecurity among the population.