Tanzania sees 1,605 relationship-related killings
Network of Human Rights Defenders reports 458 killings linked to relationship disputes in first half of 2026.
The Tanzania Network of Human Rights Defenders (THRDC) reported that 1,605 people were killed in relationship-related disputes between 2024 and June 2026. In the first six months of 2026, police recorded 941 killings, with 458 of these linked to relationship conflicts. This follows 926 killings in the same period of 2025 and 2,193 killings in 2024, of which 422 were related to relationship issues.
Women and children are among those most affected by these incidents, according to a statement released by THRDC on October 22, 2026. The network cited jealousy, marital and family disputes, financial disagreements, and child-rearing challenges as common causes. Specific cases mentioned include the deaths of Leah Mazengo in Bahi and Margeth Hamis Richard in Musoma, as well as two children in Morogoro killed by their father before he died by suicide.
THRDC attributed the rise in killings to weak anti-violence systems, lack of education on safe relationships, mental health challenges, and a shortage of social welfare experts. The network urged the government to strengthen reporting systems for threats, increase social welfare officers, and called on parliament to enact specific laws against gender-based and domestic violence. THRDC also announced a campaign titled “Love Is Not War; DO NOT KILL”.
Why it matters1,605 people have been killed in relationship-related disputes in Tanzania between 2024 and June 2026.