Querying colleague's arrest leads to journalist's death

Prominent journalist, Daudi Mwangosi, died on Sunday, 2 September 2012 while covering clashes between the police and members of Tanzania's largest opposition political party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema).

A Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Press Release reports that clashes began after police had ordered the Chadema supporters, who had gathered for a rally, to disperse. The supporters refused and the police resorted to violence in an effort to disperse the gathering, which had been described by police as illegal.

Eyewitnesses say Mwangosi demanded to know of police why a fellow journalist, Godfrey Mushi (from Nipashe newspaper) had been arrested. In the ensuing confrontation between Mwangosi and the police, eyewitnesses say a blast was heard and in the aftermath, Mwangosi was seen lying on the ground, next to a police officer. Photographic evidence shows Mwangosi, at one point, surrounded and being assaulted by police before he died.

The Tanzania's Editor's Forum, journalists, media practitioners and some members of the public have condemned the police actions, which have resulted in the loss of life and extensive damage to property.

Mwangosi was a correspondent for television station, Channel Ten and also served as the Chairperson of the Iringa Press Club. Information available to the MISA indicated that Mwangosi died around 16h00 East African Time at the Chadema offices, located in Nyololo Village in the Mafundi district.