DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) advocate Onesmo Olengurumwa, has called on the Police Force to work closely with Maasai community leaders in Dar es Salaam to help identify suspects linked to the killing of Chinese national and plastic recycling factory owner, Bhaozang Ge.
Olengurumwa said such cooperation would help restore public trust toward members of the Maasai community after some reportedly began facing social stigma and losing employment opportunities following the incident.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam after receiving complaints from members of the Maasai community, Olengurumwa stressed the importance of conducting thorough investigations to identify the actual perpetrators instead of associating the entire Maasai community with the crime.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Maasai Association in Dar es Salaam, Elia Sangeti Taiko, said the community strongly condemns the killing and is ready to cooperate with police authorities to identify those responsible.
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“We condemn the person who committed this act against our Chinese brother. We came to meet the lawyer so that he can defend us and help connect us with the Police Force because the person who committed the crime is an individual, not the entire Maasai community,” said Taiko.
He added that the incident has negatively affected relations between Maasai workers and their employers, with some community members facing discrimination at workplaces and in business activities.
The association’s Secretary, Laizer Lobulu, also urged the Police Force to carry out comprehensive investigations and ensure legal action is taken against whoever is found responsible, without blaming the entire Maasai community.
“Right now, whenever we pass by, people call us killers because of one person alleged to be Maasai. We are deeply hurt by being labelled killers because of the actions of one individual,” said Lobulu.
Lobulu further advised employers to establish proper systems for identifying employees, including requiring guarantors, to help in cases where criminal incidents occur.
In another development, association member Julius Singoi called on all Maasai residents in Dar es Salaam to attend a meeting scheduled for Sunday, May 31, 2026, in Mabibo, assuring them that there would be cooperation with the Police Force and no reason for fear.
It should be recalled that Bhaozang Ge died on May 16, 2026 after allegedly being killed by individuals believed to have been guards at the factory. His body was later found dumped in a drainage trench.