Police Use Tear Gas After Mob Destroys House in Mwanza Following Child Murder Investigation

Police in Mwanza have deployed tear gas after a mob set a house on fire and destroyed property belonging to a man suspected of involvement in the disappearance and murder of two children in Sudala Village

The children, Success Kaliyati (10) and Favour Maseya (7), went missing on 29 January 2026. After more than two weeks of frantic searching by police and community members, the skeletal remains of Success were found on 14 February in a maize field near Mwanza District Hospital, while Favour’s remains were discovered on 15 February in a sugarcane field near her home.

The discovery has shocked the community due to several mysterious factors: relatives reported thoroughly searching the areas where the bodies were eventually found, yet saw nothing; both children’s bodies had decomposed to skeletons in just over two weeks; and residents noted no noticeable smell of decomposition in the area during the search.

Anger erupted in the community following the grim discovery, prompting some residents to attack the suspected perpetrator’s home. Police responded by firing tear gas to control the mob and prevent further violence, while investigations into the murders continue.

Authorities have not yet released a formal medical report on the cause of death, but the police are investigating whether the children were killed elsewhere before their remains were dumped.

The families of Success and Favour, as well as the wider community, are seeking answers, with suspicions of foul play or ritual involvement still circulating.

May the souls of Success and Favour rest in eternal peace.