Two popular singers serving life sentences after being found guilty of raping primary school children have walked free from a Tanzanian prison, having received a presidential pardon.
Nguza Viking, known as Babu Seya, and his son Johnson Nguza, known by the stage name Papii Kocha, were among more than 1,000 prisoners freed by President John Magufuli on Saturday.
The rhumba musicians had served 13 years after being convicted of raping 10 girls, aged between six and eight years, who were were all pupils at the same Dar es Salaam school.
They were reportedly met by cheering fans and family after emerging from the prison.
Dr Juma Malewa, Tanzania’s commissioner-general of prisons, praised them for their good behaviour while incarcerated. According to Tanzania’s The Citizen newspaper, he added:
After the news Ukonga Prison exploded. You know Nguza and his son were very interactive and entertainers. While Mr Viking played his guitar, his son used to entertain other prisoners through singing. Hopefully, they will be missed in Ukonga Prison.
However, others have not welcomed the move, which has ignited a heated debate around the country.
