Body of slain don Mvungi expected in Dar tomorrow

Dar es Salaam. The body of the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) member Dr Sengondo Mvungi who died on Tuesday at the Milpark Hospital in South Africa will arrive in Dar es Salaam tomorrow.

Immediately after arriving at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, the casket bearing the body of the lawyer, politician, and university lecturer will be taken to Lugalo mortuary, according to NCCR Mageuzi Chairman James Mbatia.

The CRC member who was an advocate of the High Court and Court of Appeal of Tanzania, was attacked in November 3 at his residence at Kibamba on the outskirts of the city. He was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit of the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute before he was flown to Milpark hospital in Johannesburg for further treatment a week ago.

According to NCCR Mageuzi chairman, Dr Mvungi who taught at the University of Dar es Salaam before moving to the University of Bagamoyo to become the deputy vice chancellor had just celebrated his birthday two days before he was seriously wounded by suspected gangsters who raided his house slashing him with machetes.

Yesterday, grief, shock and somber mood dominated Dr Mvungi’s residence as various people flocked the area to mourn the fallen lawyer. Dressed in dark suit President Jakaya Kikwete was among high profile officials who visited the area to mourn the constitution lawyer expert who was also a member of the NCCR Mageuzi National Executive Committee. Mr Kikwete was accompanied by first lady Mama Salma Kikwete.

The head of state was preceded by CRC members who arrived at Kibamba yesterday noon in a special convoy led by Judge (rtd) Joseph Warioba. Justice and Constitution affairs minister Mathias Chikawe also came to mourn the dead.

Speaking at Dr Mvungi’s residence Mr Mbatia told a gathering that the requiem mass for the fallen don would be conducted at St Joseph church in the city on Saturday from 10 a.m. before paying the last respects at Karimjee Hall between 12:30 and 3:00 p.m.

“On Sunday, prayers for Dr Mvungi will be conducted at his Kibamba residence at 9:00 a.m. On the same day, the body will be transported to Kisangare juu village in Mwanga district, Kilimanjaro region for burial. He will be laid to rest on Monday next week,’’ he said.

President Kikwete said he received news of the death of Dr Mvungi with profound shock and that his heart was severely disturbed.

“Dr Mvungi has contributed immensely to the country’s development when discharging his duties in different capacities. his death came at a time when the country still needed his wisdom and exemplary contribution in the entire process of writing the new constitution,’’ said Mr Kikwete in his condolence message.

CCM secretary general Abdurahman Kinana said the country lost a legal expert who was highly needed in the process of getting the supreme law.

Justice and Constitution affairs minister Mathias Chikawe also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the slain don insisting that his contribution to various stages of getting the new constitution would never be forgotten.

In a new turn of events, Police in Dar es Salaam yesterday arrested another suspect who was found in possession of a pistol believed to be that of Dr Mvungi which was stolen when the latter was attacked. On that fateful day, the suspects made away with a pistol, money and a mobile phone. Police have so far recovered a pistol and a mobile phone.

As of yesterday, police had nabbed 10 people in connection with the incident. The suspects who are now being interrogated would appear in court after investigations according to Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commissioner Suleiman Kova.