Tanzanian President Pardons Child Rapist Musicians; Release Of Child Rapists Condemned

President John Magufuli (in black suit) pardoned the musicians AFP

Two popular singers serving life sentences after being found guilty of raping primary school children have walked free from a Tanzanian prison, having received a presidential pardon.

Nguza Viking (2nd right), and his son Johnson Nguza, (2nd left, waving) at a court appearance in Dar es Salaam in October 2013 Photo credit: Tanzania Media

BBC Africa Live report continues:

Nguza Viking, known as Babu Seya, and his son Johnson Nguza, known by the stage name Papii Kocha, were among more than 1,000 prisoners freed by President John Magufuli on Saturday.

The rhumba musicians had served 13 years after being convicted of raping 10 girls, aged between six and eight years, who were all pupils at the same Dar es Salaam school.

They were reportedly met by cheering fans and family after emerging from the prison.

Dr Juma Malewa, Tanzania's commissioner-general of prisons, praised them for their good behaviour while incarcerated. According to Tanzania's The Citizen newspaper, he added:

After the news Ukonga Prison exploded. You know Nguza and his son were very interactive and entertainers. While Mr Viking played his guitar, his son used to entertain other prisoners through singing. Hopefully, they will be missed in Ukonga Prison."

However, others have not welcomed the move, which has ignited a heated debate around the country.

Release Of Child Rapists Condemned

The release of two musicians who were serving life sentences for the rape of primary school pupils is indicative of the Tanzanian president's "punitive" attitude towards children, a child rights activist has said.

Kate McAlpine, director of Community for Children Rights in northern Tanzania, said she was “horrified but unsurprised” by President John Magufuli's decision.

On Saturday, he pardoned Nguza Viking, known as Babu Seya, and his son Johnson Nguza, known by the stage name Papii Kocha, who were given life behind bars after being convicted of raping 10 girls, aged between six and eight years.

Ms McAlpine said this was the latest example of Mr Magufuli showing a lack of understanding about violence against children.

Earlier this year, the president banned pregnant school girls from returning to school.

“Pregnant schoolgirls are pregnant because they are victims of violence," Ms McAlpine said.

“He has a blind spot when it comes to recognizing children as victims.

“There seems to be a punitive attitude towards young children.”

Ms McAlpine said the fact the two men were jailed in the first place was unusual in a country where most child rape cases are resolved between families.

Rapists have also been known to pay of police and court staff.

She said: “It’s extremely rare for child rape cases to get to court in Tanzania - and even rarer for the culprits to get life sentences.”

The Prisons Department commissioner-general, Dr Juma Malewa 

Prisons Boss: Babu Seya, His Son Had High Standards Of Discipline In Prison

The Citizen (Tanzania) reports that The Prisons Department commissioner-general, Dr Juma Malewa, has said the pardoned prisoners, Mr Nguza Viking (Babu Seya) and his son Johnson Nguza (Papii Kocha), had high standards of discipline, while in prison.

In a video clip posted to this paper on Sunday, December 10, Dr Malewa says Mr Viking and his son obeyed laws, rules and regulations regardless of their popularity.

“After one year as prisoners, Mr Viking was made a senior prisoner, which is a respectable position in prison. He maintained his position until he was pardoned,” he says.

Explaining how he and his son received the news of their pardon, Mr Viking said his son was pulled out of a football match as he was dependable striker.

“He didn’t believe, when he heard of the President’s pardon. However, the other 61 prisoners might have received the news through TV sets installed in almost all prisons in the country,” Dr Malewa said, adding: “After the news Ukonga Prison exploded. You know Nguza and his son were very interactive and entertainers. While Mr Viking played his guitar, his son used to entertain other prisoners through singing. Hopefully, they will be missed in Ukonga Prison.”

Speaking on the situation outside the prison after President Magufuli’s announcement made in accordance to Article 45(1)(d) of the Constitution, Dr Malewa said many people walked on foot, others by car to witness the release of the two.

“Business was brought to a standstill and the road was blocked for one hour. Wisdom told us that the Nguza family should be released first, something that assured of a controlled situation outside the prison,” he said.

According to him, all 63 prisoners pardoned by President Magufuli during the 56th Uhuru celebrations have regained their freedom, calling upon Tanzanians to cooperate with and support them to re-integrate in society.

“Prisoners, who are still serving their sentences are challenged to behave and change their attitude and behaviour because there’s monitoring of their rehabilitation progress,” he said.