Mbeya. Police in Mbeya have confirmed that two suspects were fatally shot during an attempted arrest in Chunya District and that a third suspect later died after allegedly jumping from a police vehicle, in connection with the murder of 21-year-old Mzumbe University student Shyrose Mabula.
The victim, a second-year law student, was reported missing on September 14, 2025 and her charred body was discovered on September 16, 2025 in the Nane Nane area of Isyesye Ward, Mbeya City.
Regional Police Commander Benjamin Kuzaga said preliminary inquiries indicate the perpetrators intended to abduct Ms Mabula for ransom and, when that failed, killed her, poured herbicide, strangled her with a rope and set the body alight in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.
Commander Kuzaga told The Citizen’s sister paper, Mwananchi on Monday that police arrested Marwa John (25), a resident of Uzunguni A, on September 24, 2025.
Marwa is said to have confessed and identified Edward Kayuni.
Mwantembele, described by police as a security guard, later cooperated and guided officers to locations in Chunya District where the other suspects were believed to be hiding.
According to the commander, on September 27, officers travelled to Chalangwa Village, Chunya District, after Mr Mwantembele led them to a rendezvous point where Mr Kayuni was believed to be hiding.
When officers moved to arrest Mr Kayuni he drew a knife and threatened the team.
He was then shot in the leg.
“Warning shots were fired but the suspect resisted and was subsequently shot in the leg,” Commander Kuzaga said.
During that fracas Mwantembele also attempted to flee despite warnings and several shots being fired into the air; he was subsequently shot in the leg and the chest.
Both men were rushed to Chunya District Hospital but died while receiving treatment, Commander Kuzaga said.
After killing Shyrose it was alleged that Marwa chopped off her right-hand finger and took it to a witchdoctor who was alleged concealing items believed to be linked to the killing.
The police ordered Marwa to take them to the witchdoctor. But on the way he, allegedly, jumped from the police vehicle.
Inquiries into the exact circumstances of his death are continuing.
In searches carried out by investigators, police said they recovered two handcuffs (locally known as pingu), two forged Tanzania People’s Defence Force identity cards, mobile phones containing images alleged to be linked to criminal activity and the victim’s undergarments, which, police say, were reportedly taken to a traditional healer for ritual purposes.
Commander Kuzaga characterised the case as one motivated by financial gain.
“Our preliminary investigations show the suspects intended to obtain money from the victim’s family through abduction and, when that failed, they killed her to conceal evidence,” he said.
Family reaction
Reacting to the arrests and the subsequent deaths of the suspects, Dr Mabula Mahande, the victim’s father, praised the police for their professionalism and the assistance given to the family throughout the inquiry.
“I commend our police for fulfilling their duties. I request that they be equipped with modern tools because criminals change their methods every day; with better communication equipment they will be more effective,” he said, urging residents to help expose criminals living in their communities.
The Regional Police issued a public appeal against pursuing wealth through criminal means.
“The police call on citizens to abandon the desire to obtain money and property by unlawful means. Crime does not pay and the long arm of the law will reach those responsible wherever they are,” Commander Kuzaga said.
Investigations into the circumstances of Ms Mabula’s death remain ongoing and police have appealed to anyone with information to come forward and assist in the inquiry.
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