Son of the late Tanzanian soldier in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Major Khatib Shaaban Mshindo, Shaaban, cries as he pays last respects to his father at Lugalo Barracks in Dar es Salaam on Sunday. Major Mshindo, who died on Wednesday near Goma, was later laid to rest at Fujoni, Zanzibar. Third right is the widow, Hawa. (Photo by Staff Photographer)

THE Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) on Sunday said its peacekeeper in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Major Khatibu Shaaban Mshindo, died on the way to hospital after he was hit by a bomb in Goma.

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Davis Mwamunyange, said the bomb injured five other Tanzanian soldiers. The CDF was speaking at a function to pay last respects to Major Mshindo at Lugalo Barracks in Dar es Salaam.

Major Mshindo was laid to rest at his home village of Fujoni in Zanzibar, later yesterday. He is survived by a widow and three children. The attack occurred in the Kibati Hills in North Kivu as the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) supported Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) to protect civilian-populated areas of Goma from M23 rebel group. General Mwamunyange noted further that the injured soldiers were still in hospital and in stable conditions.

He showered praises on Major Mshindo, saying during his life time he was hard worker, honest and diligent. His death is a big blow, he added. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Bernard Membe, said Major Mshindo would be remembered as a hero because he died in action. (HE DIED DEFENDING KIKWETE’S URANIUM BUSNESS INTERESTS WITH KABILA IN DRC)

Late Major Khatibu Shaaban Mshindo