Concern as individuals posing as police officers linked to people’s disappearances in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. There is a troubling rise in disappearances under suspicious circumstances in Tanzania, with reports linking these incidents to individuals claiming to be police officers.

Some of them arrive in what look like police vehicles and take individuals from their homes, never to be seen again.

Recent reports indicate that four young men from the Temeke district in Dar es Salaam and one resident from the Geita region have gone missing.

Efforts to locate them have been fruitless for over a month.

Ramadhan Sultan (20), Charles Kelvin (18), Abdulrazack Salim (18), and another unidentified individual vanished on June 20, 2024.

Parents of three of these young men visited Mwananchi's offices in Tabata Relini, Dar es Salaam, recently reporting that their sons were taken into custody from a birthday party celebration in Tandika Maguruwe, Zone Saba ward in Temeke.

According to eyewitnesses, at 8:00 pm, two vehicles arrived at the scene—one reportedly a Police Force vehicle and the other a Toyota Noah.

Faa Khamis, whose son, Abdulrazack, is missing, recounted; “Suddenly, three individuals got out of a small civilian car and arrested our three sons and another person."

Faa, a resident of Yombo Street, Temeke, said she received news of her son's abduction from a call made by a girl who was present at the party.

Upon arriving at the scene, she found ongoing festivities with a police car present, later joined by the local government chairman.

Faa followed the police car to Chang’ombe Police Station but was informed her son was not there.

She then checked the Makangarawe Police Post without success. Many of her son’s calls went unanswered.

"My son was jobless, though he helped with my business when I travelled abroad," she said.

Rehema Mcheni, residing in Mbagala Charambe, Mihanzini Street, learned of Kelvin's disappearance on June 21 from party friends.

"In the morning, we checked the police station, but he wasn't there. We visited many other stations in Dar es Salaam," she said, noting they filed a report at the Central Police Station, Dar es Salaam Special Zone.

Kelvin worked as a motorcycle taxi operator at Stereo Market in Temeke.

Fatuma Abubakari, of Temeke Mikoroshini, discovered her son Sultan's disappearance on June 21 from his friends, who said he was arrested by the police.

"While searching police stations, I met Faa and Rehema, who were also looking for their children arrested at the party," she said.

"My son worked as a motorcycle taxi operator and was previously arrested for selling a stolen phone a year ago. Since then, he hasn't been found guilty of any offence," she added.

Statement from the ward chairman

Mohamed Masoud, Chairman of Zone Saba Local Government, clarified that during the incident in his area, there was a celebration. When he went to inspect the festive event, he found the community police in a patrol vehicle near the vicinity.

The police had called me on my cell phone, and when I went into their vehicle, I found a number of young men who had been arrested and were kept in the vehicles.

“Claims that I witnessed their sons' arrest are false. I was called by local police to check on the suspects they arrested. In their vehicle, I saw several people," he said.

Masoud directed the parents to the police station the next day, believing their sons might be among those arrested.

Before the parents embarked on a journey to search for their children, Masoud demanded to see the photos of the young men, but he found their faces unfamiliar, confirming they were not residents of the area.

"These young men were alleged to have been taken away in a Noah car. I can't decipher this amidst current happenings. Signs of abduction exist in my neighborhood. Another young man narrowly escaped abduction on the night of July 18," he added.

Police reaction

Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, Jumanne Muliro, denied police involvement in abductions, promising a thorough investigation into the parents' reports.

"The force is vigilant, ensuring their rights are respected," he assured.

The incident in Geita

Daniel Sayi (48), a cattle trader from Geita district, was reportedly taken in handcuffs by unknown individuals at his Kiomboi home in Nyarugusu Ward.

Reports indicate he was seized on May 13, 2024, at noon, by four individuals in a white Toyota Land Cruiser. They handcuffed him without explanation and departed.

His family searched Nyarugusu, Kasamwa, Katoro, and Geita police stations without success. The report NGS/RB/230/2024 was filed at Nyarugusu station.

Daniel's son, Michael, described the event: "Four men alighted from a passing car and questioned me about my father's whereabouts. Believing them friends, I directed them."

"They found him watching football and handcuffed him silently, forcing him into their parked car," he said.

Daniel's father, Elias Sayi of Simiyu, directed relatives to the police to clarify his son's offence.

"My son is a farmer and trades in cattle. We never received complaints about him," he said, voicing concern for his 23 children.

"In captivity, we seek closure. Absent a body, mourning pervades. We plead for government assistance," he lamented.

Ibrahim Masanja, Daniel's uncle, regretted the absence of feedback despite reporting everywhere.

"He supported 23 children and three wives," he said.

Salome Nyasika, Daniel's wife, bemoaned the family's newfound struggles. Geita Regional Police Commander, Safia Jongo, vowed a thorough investigation into the case.

"I need details of their station reports to proceed. Challenges may arise, even if a person is found," she said.

Important investigation

Human Rights Centre Executive Director, Anna Henga, urges authorities to probe recent incidents comprehensively.

"We must understand why these incidents occur. As with albino killings, we must tackle root causes," she said.

She called for a holistic approach, analysing each case to locate the missing.

Some criminal justice advocates criticised unlawful police practices, suggesting criminal elements exploit gaps, victimising families.

The law mandates police to announce and identify arrests. Misuse of detention facilities exacerbates community concerns over disappearances.