Alarm over rising trafficking cases in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. The National Anti-Human Trafficking Network (Tanahut) has raised concerns over increasing human trafficking cases in Tanzania, accusing government institutions of slow action and a lack of accountability.

Tanahut director Edwin Mugambila said, despite providing evidence and names of suspects, authorities have failed to act.

Among the cases is that of Stephano Maswala, a pastor and director of a children’s home in Mlandizi, accused of trafficking seven girls aged 10–14.

Tanahut demanded his immediate prosecution and urged that bail be denied under the Criminal Procedure Act.

Also read: Tanzania’s anti-human trafficking efforts pay off

In another case, Mr Khalfan Masoud Said was implicated in trafficking Tanzanians to Myanmar between 2020 and 2023 for cybercrime.

He was arrested but reportedly was released.

In Morogoro, over 1,000 youths were allegedly trafficked for online scams by companies such as Qnet and Allence.

In Zanzibar, a girl nicknamed “Zuena” was trafficked to Oman for domestic servitude, but the suspects were later released.

Tanahut also cited the killing of a two-year-old with albinism in Bukoba as a trafficking-related crime.

The organisation called for the reactivation of the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, more funding for the Anti-Trafficking Secretariat, and stronger legal enforcement.

“We’re not just demanding action. We are offering technical support,” Mr Mugambila said.

Alexander Constantine, Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, said steps had been taken, adding,

“The Kibaha case has already been forwarded to the public prosecutor.”