Woman Allegedly Murders Stepchildren for Being More 'Light-skin' Than Her Own

A deeply disturbing incident in Tanzania's Ruvuma region has drawn widespread attention, following allegations that a woman murdered three children of her co-wife due to intense jealousy over their lighter skin complexion compared to her own children.

The tragic story, stemming from Namtumbo District, was brought to light on the "Amplifier" program, broadcast from Clouds FM studios in Mikochen, Dar es Salaam, with journalist Millard Ayo among the hosts.

The accused, identified as Wande Luchangula, in her 30s, is alleged to have committed the heinous acts in the Kwizombe sub-village, Mkulukulu street, Lusewa ward, within Namtumbo District.

Reports indicate that Luchangula used a machete ("panga") to kill the children, subsequently setting the family's house ablaze.

Graphic Details Emerge from Witnesses

Witness accounts from other children who were present at the home paint a chilling picture of the events. They stated that the suspect initially called one child and sent them with a message for their mother, instructing her to prepare to bear more children.  

Subsequently, Luchangula reportedly took one of a pair of twins who was playing outside, brought the child indoors, and laid him next to another child before allegedly attacking both with machetes until they succumbed to their injuries.

The violence did not end there. She then reportedly approached a third child named Lugola, who was sleeping outside and in a frail health condition, and severed his head with a machete. 

Motive Rooted in Perceived Favoritism and Skin Color Bias

The alleged motive behind the brutal killings is described as intense jealousy stemming from the children's skin colour.

The victims, children of Luchangula's co-wife, were described as "weupe" (lighter-skinned), while Luchangula's own children were "weusi" (darker-skinned).

She reportedly believed that the lighter-skinned children were favoured by their shared husband, Mzee Lutemla, over her own.

Namtumbo District Commissioner Ngolo Malenya visited the scene and elaborated on the family's complex dynamics.

Mzee Lutemla reportedly had three wives: the first with eleven children, the second with nine, and the third with four.

Commissioner Malenya noted that animosity had developed within the family, with perceptions that some children were favored by the father while others were not.

He also acknowledged a societal preference for lighter-skinned individuals, stating, "there is that state of loving light-skinned women and there is that state of loving light-skinned children".

It was also reported that the children of the second wife, who were mostly dark-skinned, were often subjected to beatings.

Commissioner Malenya emphasized the tragic consequences of such biases, urging those in polygamous marriages to treat all their wives equally.

"Therefore, I urge those who have more than one wife to love your wives equally."