The manhunt for the two individuals who violently assaulted veteran Tanzanian journalist Absalom Kibanda Tuesday night has moved into high gear, as the editor was flown to South Africa for specialised medical care.
The senior journalist, who is the group managing editor of the private New Habari Corporation and the firebrand chairman of Tanzania Editors’ Forum (TEF), was grievously wounded following the vicious attack outside his house at Mbezi Juu in Dar es Salaam.
He suffered serious injuries to his left eye. His assailants also knocked several teeth off him and hacked off a finger from his left hand.
Just before he was flown out, Mr Kibanda told local reporters he believed the incident had something to do with his work as a journalist, for which he faces a treason trial.
After the incident, Mr Kibanda was rushed to Muhimbili National Hospital’s Orthopaedic Institute, where doctors referred him to a South African hospital for more treatment.
Following the brutal event, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Said Mwema, has assigned four detectives from the Police Force headquarters to beef up investigations, but no arrests have been made yet.
A statement by minister of Home Affairs Emmanuel Nchimbi said IGP Mwema’s decision is meant “to increase efficiency.”
NMG
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