This archive report was first published on 16 July 2019.
On May 2, 2019, Tanzanian billionaire Reginald Mengi passed away in Dubai at the age of 75. Just days later, his palatial home in Machame Nkuu, Kilimanjaro, was targeted by thieves who stole valuables including gold jewelry, a laptop, and an unspecified sum of money.
According to Kilimanjaro Regional Police boss Hamisi Issah, the theft occurred when family members and others who were condoling with Mengi's widow, Jacqueline Ntuyabaliwe-Mengi, entered rooms they were not supposed to.
Issah stated, 'There are mixed people here and the majority are not familiar with each other and as a result, some entered the place where they were not supposed to, and the theft occurred. We are holding two people for interrogation.'
Issah also suggested that the theft could have been committed by family members, saying, 'It is true, some valuables from Mengi’s house were stolen. The thieves are not known yet. We are investigating. It could be anyone both from within and outside the family.'
Two people, a lady and a man, have been arrested and are being interrogated by police in connection with the theft.
