The Chem Chem village local government in Moshi Rural district has complained against a police decision to free three people suspected involvement in the killing of Rashidi Abdalah (30) from Chambogo hamlet.

According to a letter signed by village chairperson Karibia Mmari addressed to a Kilimanjaro region-based lawyer, a copy of which was made available to reporter, the killing was mysterious.

The letter, written on March 12, this year, noted that the mysterious killing occurred on February 16, this year, after which the suspects were arrested.

The local government claimed that, surprisingly, on March 7, the suspects were discharged from police custody.

The letter, which is also copied to the Kilimanjaro regional police commander, the regional commissioner, the Moshi Rural MP and the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) urged the lawyer to take legal action.

It also claimed that the killing was intentional because the suspects came from Magadini village in Simanjiro district, Manyara region.

It was claimed further that the suspects were criminals involved in robberies.

 “These criminals have become a nuisance in our area. They attack people on their farms and on the roads. They harvest their crops. The matter has been reported to the police to no avail. This matter, if not resolved, will lead to a breach of the peace in the area,” the letter read in part.

According to the local government, the group is made up of between 10 and 15 people who come from the Maasai tribe.

It said, however, that after the suspects were freed, they went returned to the village and had been harassing village leaders and villagers.