Magufuli mourns Njombe DC Sarah Dumba

DAILY NEWS Reporter

The late Njombe District Commissioner, Sarah Dumba.

PRESIDENT John Magufuli has sent a condolence message to Njombe Regional Commissioner, Dr Rehema Nchimbi, following the sudden death of Njombe District Commissioner, Sarah Dumba, which occurred on Monday evening.

Ms Dumba suddenly fell ill on Monday afternoon and was later rushed to Njombe-Kibena Hospital where she died while receiving treatment at around 7:00 pm. In his condolence, President Magufuli said he was shocked by Ms Dumba’s sudden death who, he said, was known for her hard work, honesty and integrity in public service and leadership.

“I have been saddened by the death of Ms Dumba. We would love to see her alive but that’s how God wanted it to be; she was good leader in our country,” said the president, in a statement issued by the Directorate of Presidential Communication.

President Magufuli said he joined the family of the deceased, siblings, relatives, friends and all the people affected by her death, asking them to be calm and patient during this hard time.

He noted that the late Ms Dumba will be remembered for the great work in bringing development to the country, especially in agriculture and animal husbandry, and instituting discipline to the civil service.

According to Njombe Regional Administrative Secretary, Mr Jackson Saikadau, the deceased will be buried on Thursday at Mbutu Mwembe Mdogo in Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam.

The burial ceremony will be held at her father’s residence at Ferry Midizini area. Mr Saikadu said yesterday that Njombe district residents would pay their last respects and later the body will be transported to Dar es Salaam for burial.

“We expect to commence our journey around 4:00 pm from Njombe to Dar es Salaam and we expect to arrive on Thursday morning for the burial ceremony,” he said.

Makete District Commisioner, Mr Daudi Yassin, said Njombe residents were saddened by the death of Ms Dumba who during her lifetime was the chairperson of all district commissioners in the region.

“We are all in shock as last Saturday we were with her during the welcoming ceremony of our regional commissioner. We will always remember her,” he said. Professionally, Ms Dumba was a broadcaster with Radio Tanzania Dar es Salaam, now TBC Radio.

She entered politics when she was appointed Kilindi District Commissioner during the Kikwete Administration. From Kilindi District in Tanga Region, she was transferred to Njombe District in Njombe Region.