At 19 years of age, Fatima Idd envisioned her perfect life; to finish university, acquire a well-paying job and ultimately walk down the aisle with the love of her life. However, her fortunes would soon become bleak after a chance meeting with a rich businessman of Kenyan nationality.
Speaking during an interview with Inooro TV, Fatima narrated the experience of how the tycoon took advantage of her naivety to import illegal goods and steal vehicles.
Born and raised in Tanga City in Tanzania, Fatima came to stay with her aunt in Kenya in 2019 during the university's long-term break. She decided to spend her holiday in Kenya due to its attractive landscapes.
At the time, she met a Kenyan who resided on the border of the two countries. Upon introduction, he explained that he operated several businesses between the two countries.
The two developed friendship which later blossomed into a relationship. However, months into the relationship, Fatima still didn't know the specific business that her boyfriend conducted.
"I had spent nine months with him. He would send me to acquire goods from Tanzania from his contact personnel. He would warn me against mentioning his name to the dealers and I would oblige. So I would meet with this person, carry out the instructions and then take the vehicle loaded with the goods to a specific location," she stated.
Day of Arrest
"One day, my boyfriend came home at 5:00 am and then four hours later, several police officers came and banged on the door. I opened and they demanded to know the man of the house," Fatima disclosed.
"I informed them that he was asleep. They ordered me to call him. The officers sought to know whether I had knowledge that my boyfriend was a serial thief and I said no. I disclosed all the information that I knew as they began searching the house."
The woman noted that the officers searched the house and ultimately found fake number plates stashed in the house. While trying to plead her innocence, Fatima informed the officers that she did not know about the dealings. The officers placed the duo in custody over the allegations.
Confused about the entire situation, Fatima pleaded guilty to the charges levelled against her, not knowing the ramifications of her plea.
"The following week I found out that I was the only one in court as my boyfriend was not at the stand. Till today, I've never seen him again," he noted.
"When the charges were read in court, I pleaded guilty since I was involved in transporting the goods. To date, I still question my decision since I was innocent in all of this. The first count was robbery with violence, and stealing motor vehicles, among other charges."
According to Fatima, the case dragged in court for several months and ultimately she was sentenced to 59 years in prison and also handed a death sentence.
"At the time, I was 19 years and worried that my life was over. My family is in Tanzania and did not know about what was happening. My decision to stay with my boyfriend led me to this hurdle."
Fatima appealed to the youth to make wise decisions to avoid life behind bars.
