Tanzanian teacher dies by alleged suicide amid domestic dispute

Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident may have been triggered by a disagreement with his partner.

Confirming the incident, Tanga Regional Police Commander, Almachius Mchunguzi, said the teacher took his own life using a bedsheet tied to the roof beams of his room.

“Our early findings show that the deceased had been involved in a relationship dispute. He had reportedly destroyed his partner’s academic certificates during an argument and was facing court proceedings over the matter,” said RPC Mchunguzi.

According to the police, the teacher had recently been released on bail while the case was still pending in court.

The Pongwe Ward Education Coordinator, Mr Rajabu Msuya, told The Citizen that Mr Peter’s absence during a scheduled staff meeting raised concerns among colleagues.

A student and later a fellow teacher were sent to call him from his house, but there was no response.

The teacher then looked through the window and saw Mr Peter’s body hanging inside.

“The incident was immediately reported to the police. Upon arrival, officers found that he had used a bedsheet tied to the ceiling timber to hang himself,” said Mr Msuya.

A local resident, Abdulrazaq Kikungo, said the teacher had recently argued with his partner and allegedly threatened her with a knife after finding romantic messages on her phone.

Following the incident, he damaged household items—including academic certificates—and the woman filed a complaint with police.

“The case led to his arrest and eventual release on condition that he compensate her,” Mr Kikungo said.

He added that the teacher became increasingly withdrawn in the days leading up to the incident.

“He rarely left the house. Even his work attendance had declined significantly,” said Mr Kikungo.

The body was scheduled to be transported on Wednesday to Ngara, Kagera Region, Mr Peter’s home district, for burial.