This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
On Sunday, July 5, a group of 380 mourners gathered at the home of Elias Juma, a renowned livestock keeper, in Mkusa Village, Sumbawanga Urban District, Rukwa Region, to pay their respects to a close relative who had passed away.
Before giving the mourners water from the newly dug well, Juma filled open containers with the water and gave it to his livestock. Tragically, 16 cows died instantly after consuming the poisoned liquid, while other domestic animals, including donkeys, ducks, and cats, also perished.
Police have since arrested Juma's neighbour, who is alleged to have poisoned the water in the well following a land dispute. The neighbour is accused of taking revenge against Juma, who had taken him to court over the property conflict.
According to Rukwa Regional Police Commander, Justine Masejo, two people, including the chief suspect, have been arrested and will be arraigned for attempted mass murder. Masejo confirmed that veterinary doctors had examined the carcasses and established that the animals died after consuming poisonous water.
“The poisonous substance has been taken to the government chemist for further analysis,” Masejo added.
Following the death of his animals, Juma has incurred significant losses, estimated to be in millions of shillings. He revealed that among the 16 dead cows, three were dairy cattle, each valued at Tsh8.3 million (Ksh383, 000). The total value of the three cows alone is over Tsh24.9 million (Ksh1.1 million).
