Shocking Ritualistic Murder of 11-Year-Old Girl Uncovered, Suspects in Custody

 

The body of 11-year-old Mariam Juma Khatibu, a sixth-grade student from Domino Primary School in Arusha, was found mutilated and placed in a basin beneath a bed. 

This gruesome discovery followed reports of her disappearance after being sent to a local shop earlier in the morning.

Arusha Regional Police Commander, Justine Masejo, confirmed the incident on October 13, 2024, stating that investigations have begun into this horrific crime. 

According to Commander Masejo, two suspects, Jaina Mchomvu (50) and Ramji Hatibu Mlacha (60), are in police custody for allegedly participating in the murder of the young girl. The case has been linked to beliefs in witchcraft.

Eyewitness Regina Peter described how the body of the deceased was found at around noon, hacked into pieces, and hidden in a basin under a bed. 

The body was discovered by the grandchild of the suspect, who saw the victim's hand hanging from under the bed while searching for a shoe.

Before her death, Mariam had been sent to a nearby shop early in the morning but never returned. As noon approached, her parents began searching for her out of growing concern.

Police have since arrested three individuals in connection with the murder, including the prime suspect, Jaina Mchomvu, who was apprehended in Mabogini, Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, where she had fled to hide after committing the crime. 

Commander Masejo revealed that Jaina confessed to the murder during police questioning.

The incident occurred as Hatibu Mlacha, Jaina’s husband, was away. On the day of the crime, Hatibu had called his daughter, Ramji, instructing her to visit his house and help with household chores. 

While Ramji was at the house, her child discovered the victim’s hand under the bed. Ramji, who is also in custody, witnessed the gruesome scene and raised an alarm, attracting neighbors. The police arrived shortly after and took the body into custody for forensic investigation.

Angered by the incident, furious locals destroyed the suspect’s house, setting it on fire and looting some of the suspect's belongings.

The body of Mariam Juma Khatibu will be buried after the completion of the investigation.

This tragic case is part of a larger issue, as reports of missing children have increased in various parts of the country, with some cases linked to ritualistic practices.

International agreements such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) guarantee the right to life and protection from all forms of violence. Article 6 of the CRC emphasizes that every child has the inherent right to life, and states must ensure the survival and development of children to the maximum extent possible. 

Article 19 of the CRC mandates that states take all necessary measures to protect children from violence, abuse, and exploitation. Additionally, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines the right to life in Article 3, emphasizing the protection of all individuals from arbitrary deprivation of life.

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for robust enforcement of these international protections, ensuring that children are shielded from violent and ritualistic killings.