Domestic Violence Case Transferred to National Prosecutions Service in Arusha

Arusha – A case file involving allegations of severe domestic violence has been forwarded to the National Prosecutions Service (NPS) for further legal action.

Anna Melami stands accused of attacking her husband, Baraka Melami (40), on the night of November 19, 2025, while they were asleep at their home in Olevolosi Village, Kimnyaki Ward, Arumeru District.

According to the victim’s account, at approximately 12:45 a.m., his wife allegedly began caressing him before using a knife to sever his genitals and discarding them under the bed.

The NPS will determine whether formal charges should be filed and under which specific offence the suspect should be prosecuted.

Arusha Regional Police Commander Justine Masejo confirmed on Monday, December 22, 2025, that the case file had been submitted to the NPS. The accused remains in police custody pending further legal proceedings.

"At the moment, the information I have is that the case file has been taken to the NPS offices for further action," said RPC Masejo.

Details of the Incident

Baraka Melami received initial medical treatment at Selian Hospital in Arumeru District following the attack.

The victim described the assault, stating his wife covered him with a blanket and began strangling him after the initial attack. He managed to escape outside while calling for help. Neighbors and relatives responded to his cries and transported him to the hospital.

"She started caressing me at night and, when it became erect, she took a knife and cut it off completely. She then covered me with a large blanket and began strangling me. I struggled with her until I managed to get outside while screaming. People came to help and took me to the hospital," he recounted.

The victim emphasized there had been no argument between the couple prior to the incident. The pair operated a small shop together and had been living peacefully. They share one child, with sleeping arrangements split between their home and the shop.

On the day of the attack, the couple had worked together digging a pit latrine before continuing with their shop duties until evening. They closed the shop and retired for the night without incident.

"I had not removed my clothes because it was cold and I was tired, so I slept fully clothed. When she came, she covered me with a blanket, opened the zip, and slightly pulled down my trousers. After the incident, as I was bleeding heavily, even when I tried to go outside, she continued to follow me and strangled me," he explained.

According to the victim, his wife appeared to lose consciousness after the attack. Both individuals were taken to the hospital when relatives and neighbors arrived at the scene.

The victim alleged that during the strangulation attempt, his wife stated she intended to kill him and then commit suicide by poison.

"We had not quarrelled for almost three months. After arriving at the hospital, doctors asked where the severed organ was. My relatives went back home to look for it, and when they brought it, the doctors said it had already gone cold and could not be reattached," he said.

He also noted unusual behavior that evening, stating his wife had turned the radio to an unusually high volume, which may have prevented his calls for help from being heard immediately.

The case now awaits review and decision by the National Prosecutions Service regarding formal charges.