Body found at Coco Beach identified as missing Muhas surgical student
Dar es Salaam. The body of a man discovered on the shores of Coco Beach in Dar es Salaam on April 24, 2025, has been formally identified as that of Dr Hashimu Tito, a postgraduate surgical student at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (Muhas).
Dr Tito, who was also serving as a physician at the Mtwara Regional Referral Hospital, had been reported missing by his family after he failed to return home or report to work.
Speaking to Mwananchi, Dr Ali Mwanga, head of the Department of Surgery at Muhas, confirmed the identification, stating that the university had collaborated with the family and law enforcement to trace the doctor’s whereabouts.
“We began searching for him with his relatives when we noticed his absence both at home and at work. Our efforts involved security authorities and appeals circulated through social media,” Dr Mwanga said.
The turning point in the search came after they revisited a police report issued on April 24 by Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, Jumanne Muliro. The statement described the discovery of an unidentified man, estimated to be aged between 30 and 35, found unconscious on the beach in the Kinondoni area.
According to police, the man had a cast (Plaster of Paris) on his right arm and was discovered by four local vendors, who reported the incident. He was taken to Mwananyamala Hospital where he was pronounced dead, and later transferred to the Kilwa Road Police Hospital due to storage limitations.
At the time, the report did not attract significant attention. However, when details about the arm injury surfaced, they resonated with Dr Tito’s condition, as he had recently undergone surgery.
“Together with his father and brothers, we went to the police. They were shown images of the body, and they positively identified it as Dr Hashimu,” Dr Mwanga added.
He said DNA tests and other forensic procedures are currently underway in collaboration with the authorities to provide conclusive confirmation.
The cause of death has not yet been determined, and investigations by the police are ongoing.
When contacted, Dr Tito’s father, Mr Tito Mwatowine, said the family is awaiting the results of the ongoing post-mortem and forensic investigations.
“There is a lot happening at the moment, and I cannot provide details now. The process is still underway,” he said.
The tragic death has sparked calls for deeper inquiry from the medical community.
President of the Medical Association of Tanzania (MAT), Dr Mugisha Nkoronko, emphasized the need for a thorough and transparent investigation.
“The loss of a doctor—especially one still in training—is not just a personal tragedy but also a national loss, given the investment made in nurturing such professionals,” Dr Nkoronko said.
He called on relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding Dr Tito’s death and to enhance protections for young healthcare workers.
“We urge the government to thoroughly examine what happened to this young postgraduate student so we can prevent such losses in the future.”
