In a case that has shocked and amused many across Tanzania, a police officer has taken his friend to court after a bizarre arrangement to help him father a child ended in failure — despite 77 attempts over 10 months.
Darius Makambako, a police officer from Mbeya, and his wife, Precious, had been trying unsuccessfully to conceive for several years.
After medical tests confirmed that Darius was infertile, the couple decided on an unconventional solution: they turned to their neighbour and friend, Evans Mastano, to act as a surrogate father.
According to reports, the men entered into a private agreement under which Evans was paid 2,000,000 Tanzanian shillings (about USD 770) to impregnate Precious.
For nearly a year, Evans reportedly visited the Makambako household three evenings a week to fulfill his part of the bargain — resulting in over 75 attempts to conceive.
When Precious still failed to become pregnant, a frustrated Makambako insisted Evans undergo a medical examination. The results revealed a shocking twist: Evans himself was infertile.
The case grew even more dramatic when Evans’ wife reportedly confessed in court that the couple’s two children were not biologically Evans’, but had been fathered by his cousin.
Feeling cheated, Makambako filed a lawsuit accusing Evans of breach of contract and demanding the return of the money he had paid. Evans, however, maintains that he never guaranteed pregnancy, only that he would make a “good faith effort.”
The case has stirred heated discussions in Tanzania about infertility stigma, cultural expectations for couples to bear children, and the moral and legal questions surrounding private reproductive agreements.
Legal experts say the court will have to decide whether such a contract is enforceable under Tanzanian law — and whether payment for an attempt at conception constitutes a binding agreement or merely a personal arrangement between friends.
The hearing is still ongoing, with many across the country following the proceedings closely as a test case that could set a legal precedent.
