mshukiwa
mshoo-KEE-wah
How to say it
Swahilimshukiwamshoo-KEE-wahsoon
Englishsuspectsoon
Frenchsuspectsoon
Meaning
A person the police believe may have committed a crime, before any court has decided.
Good to know
M/wa noun, plural washukiwa; the usual word in Kenya. In Tanzania mtuhumiwa is more common for the same thing.
Examples
- Polisi wamemkamata mshukiwa wa wizi huo.The police have arrested the suspect in that theft.
- Washukiwa watatu walifikishwa mahakamani jana.Three suspects were brought to court yesterday.
- Mshukiwa mkuu bado hajapatikana.The main suspect has not yet been found.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.