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Ace Actor’s Girlfriend Charged With Murder

Published on April 14, 2012

Girlfriend of famed Tanzanian actor, Steven Kanumba, has been charged with 1st degree murder for his death.

Elizabeth ‘Lulu’ Michaels Kimemeta was said to have violently pushed her boyfriend during an argument, which ultimately led to his death.

She appeared before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, to answer a charge of murdering movie star Steven Kanumba.

Police had to sneak the suspect into the court chamber through a back door to escape the lenses of photographers as well as curious members of the public who sought to catch a glimpse of the young lady.

She had earlier been driven to the court premises by an unmarked white tinted Suzuki Grand Vitara. Lulu, who wore a loose yellow gown, pink head scarf and red sandals, appeared composed as the charge against her was being read.

The prosecution alleged before resident magistrate Augustino Mmbando that the accused murdered Kanumba at midnight on April 7, at Sinza Vatican on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam.

She was not allowed to enter any plea as the court doesn’t have jurisdiction to hear murder cases. She will do so when the case is transferred to the High Court.

Lulu interrupted State Attorney Ms Elizabeth Kaganda to clarify her age. “Sorry your honour, I am not 18; my actual age is only 17,” Lulu said after the magistrate had granted her request to speak.

Ms Kaganda asked for adjournment of the case, as investigations had not been completed. She will appear in court again on April 23 when the case will come up for another hearing.

She may face the death sentence if found guilty of murder.


	The late Steven Kanumba

Steve Kanumba, who was celebrated as ‘The Great’, died on the wee hours of Saturday after falling in his room, at the reported culmination of a bitter quarrel between him and the suspect, who was his girlfriend.

He was taken to hospital by his doctor, a family member and a neighbour, only to be told that Kanumba had died on the spot apparently after injuring his head severely.

One of the doctors who examined Kanumba’s body at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) hinted that the actor died on the spot after suffering from brain concussion.

The incident is said to have occurred at the home of the deceased Sinza Vatican.

His death touched many people within and outside the country, especially in West Africa.

President Jakaya Kikwete was one of the people who were deeply touched by the death of the young actor. He consoled mourners at the Sinza residence and gave a Sh 10 million token of condolences to the bereaved.

Vice-President Dr Mohamed Ghalib Bilal led thousands of mourners at the funeral, amongst whom were high-ranking government officials.

Kanumba, 28, was buried on Tuesday afternoon at the Kinondoni Cemetery. He was born on January 8, 1984 in Shinyanga Region where he started his Primary education at Bugoyi Primary School. He later joined Mwadui Secondary School before shifting to Vosa Mission Secondary School.

Thereafter, he joined Jitegemee (JKT) high school for Advanced level secondary education up to 2005. He started his acting career early but his breakthrough came in 2002 when he joined Kaole Sanaa group.

Source: thecitizen.co.tz