Five journalists and their driver died in a ghastly car crash on Tuesday 11 January in Nyamikoma area in Busega district, Simiyu Region in northern Tanzania.

The journalists were traveling in the convoy of the Simiyu Regional Commissioner, David Kafulila, to a public event in Ukerewe, as part of the tour of Mwanza province. 

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Journalists Workers Union of Tanzania (JOWUTA) in extending its sincere condolences to the families of the journalists who lost their lives and to all the media fraternity in Tanzania. 

The vehicle was reportedly involved in a head collision with a minibus coming in the opposite direction which attempted to overtake other cars and crashed in their convoy of local communication officials, television and newspapers journalists.

According to a statement issued by JOWUTA, the media workers who lost their lives in the accident were Mwanza Regional Information officer, Abel Ngapemba, Ukerewe District Information Officer, Steven Msengi, Johari Shani of the Uhuru Media Group, Husna Mlonzi,  Anthony Chuwa of ITV and the Driver, Paul Silanga all died on the spot. Vanny Charles of Icon TV and Freelance journalist, Tunu Herman, sustained injuries and are still admitted in hospital.  The crash also claimed the lives of eight other passengers.

JOWUTA, who joins victims' families and loved ones in mourning, also paid tribute to all the deceased journalists for their service to the Tanzanian media with professionalism and dedication.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: "This is a terrible tragedy that is devastating to the whole profession. These journalists died in the service of their public and their deaths are a huge loss to their families and profession. The IFJ extends its deepest condolences to their families, colleagues in JOWUTA and the entire media fraternity in Tanzania." - International Federation of Journalists