WINFRIDA Dominic (19) has been crowned Miss Universe 2012 after beating 19 contestants during the pageant finals held at the National Museum hall in the city.

It was very difficult to predict who will emerge the winner going by the confidence and skills showcased by the contestants. Confidence and natural beauty of the newly crowned Tanzania representative in the Miss World Universe seemed to convince the judging panel presided by the Managing Director of Compass Communications, Maria Sarungi Tsehai who is also the national director of the event.

After being announced the winner, Winfrida could not hide her happiness saying; "This title has made my dream come true."Apart from representing the country in the Miss Universe, the Dar es Salaam-based lady Winfrida was awarded 3m/- and scholarship award to study at New York Film Academy.

Bahati Chando (20) also from Dar es Salaam, was the first runner-up and received 1m/- and won a ticket to represent the country in Miss Earth.The second runner-up spot went to Dorice Mollel (21), who pocketed in 500,000/- which went together with a ticket to represent the country in Miss Tourism Queen International.

Kundi Mligwa (23) and Lilian Kolimba finished in fourth and fifth place respectively and each got 100,000/-. The event was coloured by performances from Afrikanashe and Enika who stunned the audiences with a series of stirring shows.