Tanzanian Man Sentenced to Death for Killing Parents

Man Sentenced to Death for Killing His Parents Over Land Dispute

March 14, 2025

Arusha, Tanzania – The Court of Appeal sitting in Iringa has upheld the death sentence of Marko Kivamba, who was found guilty of murdering his biological father, Matei Kivamba, and stepmother, Rozarina Nyingo, in a brutal attack fueled by a land dispute. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2025, affirmed the earlier decision of the High Court, which had convicted Kivamba based on overwhelming evidence, including his own confession.

Case Background

The crime occurred on March 1, 2017, in Igomtwa Village, Mufindi District, Iringa Region. Court documents revealed that Kivamba attacked his father and stepmother with a machete after his father, allegedly influenced by Rozarina, refused to allow him to cultivate a piece of land. Following the killings, he fled the scene but was apprehended in a neighboring village.

The Court’s Rationale for Upholding the Conviction

The Court of Appeal, comprising a panel of three judges—Rehema Kerefu, Leila Mgonya, and Lameck Mlacha—examined all aspects of the appeal before delivering their verdict. The case was originally decided by the High Court in Iringa on November 29, 2021, and Kivamba subsequently filed an appeal in 2022, challenging his conviction.

Justice Kerefu, delivering the judgment, stated that after thoroughly reviewing the appeal grounds, arguments from both the defense and prosecution, and the case records, the appellate court found that the prosecution had presented an airtight case. She emphasized that the appellant’s conviction was primarily based on circumstantial evidence and his own confessions, which provided a clear and detailed account of the crime.

Key Evidence in the Case

The prosecution’s case was built on multiple strands of evidence:

• Confession Statement: Kivamba admitted to the killings before key witnesses and provided a graphic account of the events leading up to the crime.

• Murder Weapon: The type of weapon used, a machete, and the severity of the wounds inflicted on the victims were crucial in demonstrating intent.

• Post-Crime Behavior: His flight from the crime scene and subsequent arrest in another village raised further suspicions.

• Eyewitness Testimony: Although no one directly witnessed the attack, multiple witnesses, including the children of the deceased, heard the victims screaming for help, implicating Kivamba.

Details from Kivamba’s Confession

Court records detail his chilling admission, in which he recounted how he stealthily entered his father’s home late at night, armed with a flashlight, machete, and knife. After consuming some traditional liquor, he changed his clothes and proceeded with his deadly mission.

“I walked into the house, found my father asleep, and began slashing him on the neck and head. As I was leaving, I heard my stepmother crying out, begging for mercy. I struck her on the head and face while she pleaded with me to forgive her. I told her she was responsible for everything that had happened,” Kivamba stated in his confession.

After ensuring both victims were dead, he cleaned his weapon and went to inform his biological mother about the killings before attempting to flee. However, he was arrested in Ugesa Village that same night.

Defense’s Argument and Court’s Rebuttal

In his appeal, Kivamba argued that the case against him was based purely on circumstantial evidence, as no witnesses saw him commit the act. He also claimed that his confession was obtained under duress and that the trial court failed to consider his defense adequately. His legal counsel, Cosmas Kishamawe, contended that Kivamba’s account of his whereabouts on the night of the murder was disregarded.

However, the Court of Appeal found no merit in these arguments. Justice Kerefu noted that the High Court had already scrutinized the confession and found it credible, detailed, and voluntary. Additionally, forensic evidence confirmed that the victims had suffered fatal machete wounds, corroborating the confession. The appellate judges concluded that the case against Kivamba was proven beyond a reasonable doubt and dismissed his appeal in its entirety.

Final Verdict

After considering all evidence, the Court of Appeal upheld the death sentence originally imposed on Kivamba, affirming that the brutal nature of the crime warranted the maximum punishment under Tanzanian law. The judgment solidifies the country’s stance on enforcing the rule of law in cases of violent crimes.

The ruling also sets a precedent for similar cases involving premeditated murder, particularly where family disputes escalate into violence.