Lieutenant Rajab Ahmed Mlima
Tanzania People Defence Force soldiers carry the coffin containing the remains of Lieutenant Rajab Mlima in Dar es Salaam yesterday. PHOTO | THE CITIZEN 

The minister for Defence and National Service, Mr Shamsi Vuai Nahodha, Thursday led hundreds of people in bidding farewell to the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) officer Lieutenant Rajab Ahmed Mlima, who was killed in Goma, DRC on Sunday.

Lt Mlima was laid to rest yesterday at the Kisutu cemetery in Dar es Salaam.

Mr Nahodha described Lt Mlima as a hero who died while in the line of duty. “There is nothing more precious than dying while carrying out your official duties,” he said.

Mr Nahoda noted that Tanzania will continue to preach and seek peace in all countries within the Great Lakes region.

“Yes, they killed him, but this will not make us back down,” said Mr Nahodha.

Lt Mlima’s farewell was held at Lugalo General Military hospital. His remains were later taken to his Mbezi Makonde home for religions prayers and later in the evening he was laid to rest at Kisutu cemetery in Dar es Salaam.

The body was flown into the country on Wednesday aboard a special United Nations plane. High ranking officers were at the airport to receive it.

However, Tanzania’s military spokesman Major Erick Komba could not be reached to explain the absence of government leaders at the airport.

Tears flowed freely amongst those who had assembled at the military’s air wing unit, mostly relatives of the deceased.