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Friends and family of the legendary Bongo singer Joseph Francis Michael, known as Mandonjo, are still grieving his tragic death.
Mandonjo passed away on Sunday, August 11, after being beaten by individuals who mistakenly identified him as a thief.
The renowned singer, celebrated for hits like “Nikupe,” “Wanok Nok,” and “Dingi,” had a significant impact on the music scene.
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Anania Amo, the Acting Police Commander of Dodoma Region, has issued a statement regarding the tragic incident.
Why was Mandonjo mistaken for thief?
The officer reported that on the day of the incident, Mandonjo was found hiding in a dog kennel at the Catholic Church of All Saints Parish in Nzuguni B.
The church’s security guard discovered him and called for help from church members attending a service. They managed to restrain Mandonjo.
Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Anania Amo shared these details on August 14, 2024, during a press conference in Dodoma.
The incident occurred on August 11, 2024, at approximately 5 a.m. in the Nzuguni B area of Dodoma City. Mandonjo later passed away while receiving treatment at Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital.
The police are still holding Rafael Keneth, the church’s security guard, for further questioning and investigation.
Legendary gospel singer Shari Martin dies
On Monday, August 5, the death of Shari Martin was announced on social media.
Martin, renowned for his timeless gospel tracks such as “Yesu Ndio Commando,” “Rafiki Pesa,” “Happy New Year,” and “Tangazo la Ajabu,” was remembered with deep sorrow.
Douglas Papjivs Jiveti shared the tragic news on his Facebook page, revealing that Martin had been ill and hospitalized for about a week at Kenyatta National Hospital before passing away.
Fans quickly took to Jiveti’s post to offer their condolences, reminiscing about Martin’s profound impact on gospel music and expressing their heartfelt grief.