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Arusha, Morogoro, Mjini Magharibi top sexual crimes list of shame
In total, Tanzania reported 8,691 rape cases and 2,488 sodomy cases in 2023. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- A new report on the state of crime in Tanzania has brought to light a concerning rise in rape and sodomy cases, With Arusha and Morogoro regions ranking highly
Dar es Salaam. A new report on the state of crime in Tanzania has brought to light a concerning rise in rape and sodomy cases, With Arusha and Morogoro regions ranking highly.
The report, which covers data from January to December 2023, also shows that Zanzibar’s Mjini Magharibi is also among the three regions with highest levels of rape and sodomy.
In Mainland Tanzania, Morogoro reported the highest number of rape cases, with 525 out of the total 7,764 cases. Following closely are Tanga with 519 cases, Kinondoni with 506, Mbeya with 406 and Dodoma with 399 cases.
Arusha leads in sodomy cases, with 251 out of 2,179 cases nationwide. Kinondoni and Kilimanjaro follow with 210 and 154 cases, respectively.
The situation in Zanzibar is equally alarming. Mjini Magharibi reported 564 rape cases and 225 sodomy cases, far exceeding the numbers in any Mainland region. Kaskazini Unguja and Kaskazini Pemba also showed high figures, with 132 rape cases and 29 sodomy cases in Kaskazini Unguja and 70 rape cases and 29 sodomy cases in Kaskazini Pemba.
In total, Tanzania reported 8,691 rape cases and 2,488 sodomy cases in 2023. These statistics paint a grim picture of the safety and security of vulnerable individuals, especially women and children, in various regions.
The same regions have also reported higher cases of child abuse, including rape and sodomy. During this period, a total of 15,301 victims of child gender-based violence and abuse were reported, compared to 12,163 victims in the same period in 2022.
This marks an increase of 3,138 victims, equivalent to 25.8 percent. According to the report, victims of gender-based violence and abuse were most reported in the regions of Arusha (1,089), Morogoro (976), Tanga (884), Kinondoni (789) and Mjini Magharibi (788).
Experts and stakeholders have been quick to analyse the situation and propose necessary actions, with a sociologist at the University of Dar es Salaam, Dr Ibrahim Mwakibete, believing the disparity in numbers between regions can be attributed to several factors, including cultural attitudes, economic conditions and the effectiveness of local law enforcement.
“Regions like Morogoro and Arusha might have higher reported cases due to better awareness and reporting mechanisms,” says Dr Mwakibete. “However, cultural factors that normalize gender-based violence, coupled with poverty and lack of education, also play a significant role.”
Dr Mwakibete stresses the need for comprehensive community education programmes. “Education is key to changing mindsets and behaviours. Communities need to understand the severe impact of these crimes on victims and society as a whole.”
The effectiveness of local law enforcement is another critical factor. A former police officer and current security consultant (name withheld), points out that under-resourced police departments struggle to effectively address these crimes.
“Many police stations in rural areas lack the necessary resources to investigate and prosecute cases of rape and sodomy properly,” the security expert explained to The Citizen during a phone interview. “This not only hinders justice for victims but also discourages others from coming forward.”
The expert advocates for better training and resources for police officers. “We need specialised units with trained personnel who can handle such sensitive cases with the care and urgency they require.”
Another aspect that needs urgent attention is the support system for victims, as a member of the Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalitions (THRDC), Ms Asha Mbaruku, highlighted, noting the importance of accessible healthcare and counseling services.
“Victims often suffer in silence due to the stigma associated with sexual violence,” Ms Mbaruku noted. “We need more safe spaces where they can receive medical and psychological support without fear of judgment.”
She called for the establishment of more gender-based violence (GBV) centres across the country. “These centres should be equipped with trained professionals who can provide holistic care to survivors, including legal assistance.”
Community involvement is crucial in addressing these crimes. A community leader in Tanga, Ms Simtoe Kilonzo, emphasised the role of local leaders in raising awareness and fostering a culture of zero tolerance towards sexual violence.
“Local leaders must take a stand and speak out against these crimes,” Ms Kilonzo asserted. “By doing so, they can influence attitudes and behaviours within their communities.”
She also suggested the implementation of community watch programmes. “These programmes can help monitor and report suspicious activities, creating a safer environment for everyone.”
