27 February 2025 :

The High Court in Dar es Salaam Zone has sentenced businessman Khamis Luwonga (38) to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his wife, Naomi Marijani.
The judgment was delivered on February 26, 2025 by Judge Hamidu Mwanga, who confirmed that the prosecution had presented irrefutable evidence, including Luwonga’s confession, where he admitted to both killing his wife and burning her remains.
Following the conviction, Luwonga attempted to speak during the sentencing phase. However, Judge Mwanga instructed him to remain silent. 
When Luwonga ignored the order, the court had to call security personnel to restore order, allowing the sentencing to proceed.
Judge Mwanga, emphasized that under Tanzanian law, the only appropriate sentence for such a heinous crime is death by hanging.
“I hereby sentence Khamis Luwonga, also known as Meshack, to death by hanging for the murder of his wife, Naomi Marijani,” said judge Mwanga.
Additionally, Senior State Attorney Ashura Mnzava requested that the remains of Naomi, which had been kept as evidence, be released to the family for burial.
Naomi’s relatives had been unable to bury her previously due to the legal proceedings.
Robert Marijani, a relative of the deceased, confirmed that the family would proceed with the burial. The emotional scene outside the court saw friends and family shedding tears, finding solace in the fact that Naomi would finally be given a dignified funeral.
Luwonga, a resident of Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, was convicted for the murder of Naomi Marijani on May 15, 2019, in the Gezaulole area of Kigamboni.