Plea for govt to tighten public security

A Catholic priest sprinkles holy water on the coffin bearing the body of Constitutional Review Commission member Sengondo Mvungi during prayers for him at the Karimjee grounds in Dar es Salaam yesterday. PHOTO|SALIM SHAO

Dar es Salaam. Political leaders made a solemn appeal to the government yesterday to tighten public security situation in the country, in the wake of the escalation of criminal incidents in which high-profile personalities and ordinary wananchi are killed, maimed and acutely traumatised.

That was one of the highlights of sentiments made at a special mass at the Karimjeefor slain renowned intellectual, human rights activist smd politician ,

Dr Sengondo Mvungi, 61. Dr Mvungi died in South Africa’s Millpark hospital on Tuesday where he was flown for specialized treatment after being critically injured after a group of gangsters raided his residence at Kibamba home on the outskirt of the city.

Besides eulogies in which the intellect, patriotism, and yearning for beneficial constitutional and other reforms that defined the deceased were pronounced, speaker after speaker, expressed concern over the high crime rate, which they asked the government to take firm action to curb, because, in addition to robbing the nation of precious souls, also held wananchi captive to constant suspence, as virtually everyone felt that he or she could be the next target of heartless bandits who had no qualms about killing and maiming fellow human beings.

Dr Mvungi, who had been a journalist during his prime, was lately a member of the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bagamoyo (UB), and, as a politician, had taken a shot at the presidency during the 2005 election.

Mourners who had assembled at the Karimjee grounds braved a downpour that started about three minutes before the car that carried the body of the deceased arrived at the venue for the mass and payment of last respects.

Mr James Mbatia, the visibly upset national chairman of NCCR-Mageuzi, of which Dr Mvungi was a prominent member, asked the audience to reflect on the climate of suspense remarked: “The family of Dr Mvungi is wondering why their father had to die that way. We are asking the government to ensure us peace, stability and protection for our lives,” adding: “We know every soul shall taste death but the family of Dr Mvungi is asking why it should be that way,

Mr Mbatia noted that the murder of Dr Mvungi was a continuation of the brutal murder of prominent legal practitioners, citing professor Jwani Mwaikusa and Michael Wambari as examples. “These were also brutally eliminated. Security for our nation and her people should be given first priority; instead of complaining we should fulfil our responsibilities,” he said.

He said there was a need for critical reflection on who was tasked with ensuring public safety, in the light of statistics that showed that nearly 90 per cent of Tanzanians believed that it was the police force, while only 11 per cent felt every citizen had a part to play.

Vice President Dr Mohammed Ghalib Bilal led political and religious leaders, former president Benjamin Mkapa, ministers and MPs to pay last respect to the lawyer who touched the lives of many.

Grief-stricken mourners started arriving at Karimjee grounds as early as 8am and huddled in small groups, recalling Dr Mvungi’s multi-faceted illustrious career.

As the funeral car approached the grounds, yells of anguish rang out from the huge crowd and tears of sorrow flowed freely.