Dr Sengondo Mvungi, being taken from the ambulance by medics immediately after he arrived at the Muhimbili Orthopedic Institute (MOI) from the Aga Khan Hospital where he had been taken for tests. Dr Mvungi sustained serious injuries in the head after armed robbers raided his residence at Kibamba on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam in the wee hours yesterday. PHOTO | VENANCE NESTORY
What you need to know:
Dr Mvungi, who is also a member of the Constitutional Review Commission and deputy vice chancellor at the University of Bagamoyo is in the Intensive Care Unit of the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) where he is fighting for his life.
Dar es Salaam. Dr Sengondo Mvungi, a 2005 presidential candidate and renowned lawyer is in critical condition in hospital after sustaining serious injuries in a robbery attack at his residence in the outskirts of the city on the wee hours of Saturday night.
Dr Mvungi, who is also a member of the Constitutional Review Commission and deputy vice chancellor at the University of Bagamoyo is in the Intensive Care Unit of the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) where he is fighting for his life.
A group of six thugs broke into Dr Mvungi’s house in the Kibamba township in Dar es Salaam using explosives and demanded cash. When he replied that he didn’t have any, in the house they attacked him with machetes and left him for dead, according to one Hoza Simon who identified himself as the don’s employee who resides in the invaded house.
“The robbers finally made away with various properties including Sh2 million in cash, a pistol and laptop,” Mr Simon said.
Dr Mvungi is a member of the national executive committee of the opposition NCCR-Mageuzi, the party whose flag be carried as presidential candidate in the 2005 General Election.
As of yesterday evening, the thugs were still at large but Kinondoni Regional Police Commander (RPC) Camilius Wambura said his boys have launched a manhunt to ensure that they are arrested.
“We can describe the incident as a break-in in which thieves made away with Sh2million and other properties,’’ he said.
The RPC, however, dismissed reports that Dr Mvungi’s pistol was stolen saying that police were yet to receive such information from his family. He said the police were still conducting investigation.
After the attack, family members rushed Dr Mvungi to the nearby Tumbi Hospital in Coast Region where he received basic treatment before authorities there referred him to Muhimbili.
The Citizen visited Dr Mvungi at MOI but he was not able to speak as his condition was serious. Many sympathisers flocked to MOI yesterday to wish him a quick recovery. He is admitted to the intensive care unit.
Narrating further how the incident occurred, Mr Simon said the six men, broke into the house and ordered them to lay on the floor.
“After injuring Dr Mvungi, they started forcing his wife to give them money. At that time Dr Mvungi was seriously bleeding after being slashed on different parts of his body,’’ he said. The attackers were armed with machetes.
In that incident Dr Mvungi’s grandson, Samwel Mvungi, was also injured on his left shoulder after he was cut with a machete.
According to NCCR-Mageuzi Chairman James Mbatia, the incident occurred at around 12.30am and that Dr Mvungi’s pistol was also stolen by his assailants.
“It is really shocking how badly our friend has been injured, but it is still too early to give any report about his condition; we’re still waiting for preliminary findings from doctors who are treating him,’’ said Mr Mbatia when he spoke to reporters at MOI.
Dr Mvungi is an advocate of the High Court and Court of Appeal of Tanzania. He was teaching at the University of Dar es Salaam before moving to the University of Bagamoyo. In the 2005 General Election, he came fifth out of ten candidates, receiving 55819 votes (0.43%)
