By Kusekwa Kusekwa
The High Court sitting in Manyara has sentenced two men—Vita Boay Stuhhay and January Martine—to death by hanging for the murder of a boda boda rider, Gidioni Paulo.
The sentence was delivered by Judge Nenelwa Joyce Mwihambi after convicting the convicts. The accused were also known by various aliases: Stuhhay as Victor Paul Bwani, alias Kipara and Martine as Sorent.
“Therefore, this court finds that both the accused persons guilty of the offence of murder under section 196 of the Penal Code. I therefore sentence the accused persons—Vita Boay Stuhhay and January Martine—to death by hanging,” Judge Mwihambi declared in her recent judgement.
She concluded that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt, drawing on testimony from 11 witnesses, six exhibits and the defence statements of two witnesses.
The prosecution was led by Senior State Attorney, Ms Blandina Msawa, assisted by State Attorneys, Mr Leonce Bizimana and Ms Rose Kayumbo. The accused were represented by advocates, Mr Joseph Mniko and Ms Fides Mwenda.
According to court records, the murder took place on 7 July 2024 at Dongobesh Village in Mbulu District, Manyara Region. The accused, who had pleaded not guilty, were implicated in a premeditated plan to kill the rider and take his motorcycle.
Stuhhay was a garlic and carrot trader who frequently hired the victim’s motorcycle to deliver produce. At one point, the deceased reportedly failed to return with a delivery consignment. After unsuccessful attempts to locate him, Stuhhay enlisted Martine to lure the rider.
On the day of the incident, Martine hired the deceased to transport him to Diyomati Village. Upon reaching the junction to Diyomati, Stuhhay appeared, and the two men ambushed the rider. They beat him until he lost consciousness. They then fled the scene with the motorcycle, leaving the victim face down on the roadside, still wearing his helmet. Passers-by later discovered the body and rushed him to hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
The court’s verdict brings a measure of closure to the victim’s family and the community of Dongobesh, who were shaken by the brutality of the crime. The convicted men have the legal right to appeal the sentence.
