Police in Mbeya Region have reported that on October 16, 2026, a guesthouse attendant, Nice Kabuje, reported to police that the bodies of two women had been found hidden under a bed at Igogwe Guesthouse in Makunguru Street, Ruanda Ward.

According to a police statement, officers arrived at the scene and began investigations. One of the bodies was identified as that of Annastazia Mwakipesile, 32, while the identity of the second victim remains unknown. The unidentified body has been preserved at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital.

Police said that during efforts to track down those responsible for the murders, they arrested Benson Steven, popularly known as Mkembo, a sofa maker and resident of Iwambi, on suspicion of involvement in the killings.

“Preliminary investigations have established that the motive behind the killings was witchcraft-related beliefs aimed at acquiring wealth, as the suspect stated that he had visited a traditional healer before committing the acts. The suspect voluntarily agreed to lead officers to the home of the traditional healer who had given him the conditions he was required to fulfil to acquire wealth,” the police statement said.

The statement added that while they were travelling to the traditional healer’s home, the suspect suddenly jumped out of the vehicle and attempted to flee. Police officers fired warning shots into the air to stop him. After he allegedly defied their orders, an officer shot him in the leg. He later died while receiving treatment at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital.

Police further revealed that records show the suspect had previously been arrested in Temeke, Dar es Salaam, and charged with housebreaking and theft, for which he was sentenced to one year in prison.

In 2025, he was also taken to court in Mbeya Region over an armed robbery case but was acquitted after the complainant failed to appear in court.