Geita Regional Police in Tanzania are holding Lameck Isack, a 2026 Form Four graduate, over allegations that he killed his peer, David Lucas, by stabbing him in the neck and right side of the ribs. According to police, the incident occurred at 2pm on Thursday, October 29, 2026, in Mhama Village, Namonge Ward, Bukombe District, Geita Region. The suspect and the deceased were among five 2026 Form Four graduates from Said Nkumba Secondary School who had met at a social gathering.
The police said an argument broke out shortly after they met, involving the suspect and the deceased, before escalating into a fight after both claimed to be romantically involved with the same girl. The girl, also a Form Four graduate from the same school, was not named. The confrontation allegedly led to the suspect stabbing the deceased with a sharp object, resulting in his death shortly afterwards.
Geita Regional Police Commander Safia Jongo identified romantic jealousy as the motive behind the incident. She said the deceased's body had undergone a post-mortem examination and was subsequently handed over to his relatives for burial, as police continued investigations ahead of arraigning the suspect in court.
Commander Jongo also appealed to parents and guardians to strengthen their children's upbringing, instil good morals and closely supervise them, including monitoring the groups with which they associate and providing appropriate guidance and advice. This incident highlights the need for closer supervision of children and teenagers.
According to crime and road safety statistics released by the Police Force and published on the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) website, homicide cases increased nationally between January and June 2026. The statistics show that 936 homicide offences were reported during the period, compared with 926 in the corresponding period in 2025.
The incidents resulted in 970 deaths, comprising 722 men and 248 women. The report indicates that domestic disputes were linked to the deaths of 284 people, while romantic jealousy or being caught committing adultery was associated with 174 deaths. In Geita Region, 27 homicide incidents were reported between January and June 2026.
Although the figures indicate a decline in deaths associated with romantic jealousy in Geita, such incidents highlight the need to strengthen parenting, promote conflict-resolution skills and raise community awareness about the dangers of allowing jealousy to escalate into violence. The police are expected to present the suspect in court as investigations are completed.
Key points
- Romantic jealousy identified as motive behind fatal stabbing
- Tanzanian police report increase in homicide cases nationally
- Parents urged to strengthen children's upbringing and supervision
