Teen Dies in Police Custody at Moshi Central Police Station

Moshi – An 18-year-old resident of Karikacha Street in Rau Ward, Kilimanjaro Region, Michael Lambau, allegedly committed suicide by hanging while in custody at Moshi Central Police Station.

The Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander, Mr Simon Maigwa, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Commander Maigwa stated that Lambau had been arrested earlier on the same day for assaulting and injuring his uncle, Mr Brian Felix, by beating him with the flat side of a machete.

"The Kilimanjaro Regional Police Force is conducting investigations into the suicide of an individual identified as Michael Lambau, 18, a resident of Karikacha Street in Rau Ward, Moshi Municipality, who was a remand prisoner at Moshi Central Police Station, where he was being held on charges of assault causing bodily harm," Commander Maigwa said.

He explained that the suspect was arrested on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, on allegations of assaulting his uncle, Mr Brian Felix, by beating him with the flat side of a machete.

Commander Maigwa added that Lambau had previously been accused of murdering his father on November 22, 2025, by stabbing him in the neck with a sharp object, before fleeing. He was later arrested over the assault case.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death are ongoing.