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Adeladius Makwega – DODOMA
In the previous passage, I explained how a Form Three student from Jangwani, Fausta, entered Tambaza and how she was rescued by Atanas Luis (Mzee Ole). She was then taken by teachers to the deputy headmaster’s office at Tambaza, where she wrote a statement explaining how she ended up at Tambaza and what had happened.
Indeed, Fausta lost her wristwatch. Since the incident occurred near the Form Three class, stream 3R1, all students from that stream were required to write statements, which were then compared with Fausta’s original account.
Remember, Fausta was rescued by Atanas Luis, who was also from 3R1. Therefore, he too had to write a statement, even though he was the one who helped her—and they had studied together in primary school.
So, statements were written by all 40+ students of 3R1. The teachers reviewed them, but it was difficult to identify who had actually harassed the girl.
The decision made by the Tambaza school disciplinary committee was that the entire 3R1 class would receive six strokes of the cane each as a final warning.
The bell was rung, and all students—from Form One to Form Six—assembled. The offense was read out, and the entire 3R1 class was caned six strokes each.
I remember that among those who administered the punishment was Wille John. At the time, he was a very tall, big-built, and very light-skinned young man. Another was Mohammed Khalifani, popularly known as Jemapere, who later became an engineer responsible for sound systems in Tanzania’s Parliament. When Wille John was being caned, the strokes landed heavily on him, so the deputy headmaster, Wajimila, spent a long time finishing his six strokes.
Caning 40 students six strokes each is also a heavy task for the teacher carrying it out. So after finishing with Wille John, the deputy headmaster requested assistance from other teachers to continue the punishment.
Here, Mwanakwetu (Adeladius Makwega) also received six strokes from a female teacher whose name he did not know.
After that, the matter seemed closed, and students from 3R1 and others continued with their studies as usual.
At Tambaza, most mischievous acts were typically done by Form Two students. Form Three was generally a calm class, like Forms Four, Five, and Six, as they were preparing for national exams.
It was rare for Forms Three and Four to engage in such incidents unless they were directly involved. Unlike Forms One and Two, who treated such events as “picnics,” meaning group adventures.
Two months later, it was discovered that the issue had continued secretly. When Mr Mtera and Wajimila were filing the students’ written statements, they noticed something unusual. They reviewed all student files and listed those who had more than one disciplinary record.
This information also surfaced through school workers who remained after teachers left, some of whom had relatives studying at the school.
Out of the 40 students, 15 names were identified. Others were added because they were class leaders. The names remembered include Edga Chibura, Atanas Luis, Said Masoud, Aron Sifuni, Mwanakwetu (Adeladius Makwega), and Mohammed Said Mzukizi (although he was not in 3R1).
Earlier in this narrative, I mentioned the new Tambaza school board formed after the school was closed and reopened, with many members from security forces.
How did students know this?
Because school board members are often parents of students or residents nearby. One member remembered was Agrey Mwambene, who had a child at Tambaza and worked at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Dar es Salaam near Posta Mpya, while living in Mbagala.
Whenever board members came for meetings, students would observe them closely, noticing their professions—many from security institutions.
The case continued, and the 15 students were taken before the school board.
Let me take you back: Fausta and Atanas Luis studied together in primary school, passed together, then Atanas went to Tambaza while Fausta, a beautiful girl, went to Jangwani. Today, Fausta is a public servant, a mother with two grown sons.
They also shared a religious background—they prayed together and even received their first Holy Communion together. They were more like siblings.
Now, the 15 students from 3R1 were in serious trouble. Some older students, aware of the situation and the close relationship between Fausta and Atanas, advised Atanas to ask Fausta not to appear before the school board if summoned.
Atanas agreed, hoping to save his class—even after enduring six strokes in public.
“Things here have become bad. We might be expelled. Fifteen names have been sent to the board, and based on past decisions, we’ll likely be expelled. So please, if you’re called, don’t come.”
Fausta listened carefully. Meanwhile, rumors circulated that she had identified a very light-skinned boy—calling him “a white man”—as the one who harassed her. She said she could recognize him if she saw him. But then she questioned why other innocent students, like Mwanakwetu, were also included.
Atanas had already spoken to her, but Fausta revealed that the headmistress of Jangwani had called her and informed her that she had received an official letter requesting Fausta’s attendance at the Tambaza disciplinary board to give testimony.
This strengthened Atanas’s concerns, and all those involved grew more anxious.
Meanwhile, school staff reported that the board members suggested Fausta should be escorted from Jangwani to Tambaza to prevent intimidation and allow her to testify freely.
Even Fausta herself became suspicious about the true intention of her being taken to Tambaza. At this point, everyone was filled with uncertainty.
What will happen next?
Stay tuned for the next passage.
This is part XXVI of “The Conflict Between Azania and Tambaza.”
Have a good day.
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