Tanzania: Bodaboda rider in court over alleged murder of his son

Joseph Muhulila, a motorcycle taxi rider, has been charged with murder. He is accused of killing his 6-year-old son, Timotheo Muhulila.

The alleged crime took place on April 11, 2025. It happened on Lukosi Street in Mkwawa Ward, Iringa Municipality.

Muhulila appeared in court for the first time on May 15, 2025. Resident Magistrate Rehema Mayagilo presided over the case.

Senior State Attorney Radhia Njovu read the charges against him. The charges are based on sections 196 and 197 of the Penal Code.

The magistrate’s court cannot hear murder cases. Therefore, Muhulila did not enter a plea.

Under Tanzanian law, murder is a non-bailable offense. He will remain in custody until May 28, 2025.

The Criminal Procedure Act denies bail for capital offenses like this one.

In a related incident, the Fire and Rescue Force demolished a toilet structure. They retrieved body parts of the deceased child from a pit latrine.

Iringa Regional Police previously stated that Muhulila was arrested for suspicion of murder. He allegedly dismembered his son's body to hide evidence.

Police Commander Allan Bukumbi confirmed these details about the investigation.