Dr Slaa released from police custody
Dr. Wilbroad Slaa (centre) at his home after he was released from police custody. He is flanked by politician James Mbatia (left), and the other is Bishop Mwamakula. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The diplomat and two others had been arrested over allegations of incitement.
Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Police Force has released retired diplomat Dr. Wilbroad Slaa after holding him for several days.
The diplomat and two others had been arrested over allegations of incitement.
It is still unclear on what grounds he was released; efforts to reach his lawyer, Dickson Matata, did not bear fruit as his phone went unanswered; however, sources within the police force at Oysterbay Police Station confirmed that the outspoken diplomat had been released.
Earlier on, there were reports on social media saying Slaa’s lawyer had been asked to go to Oysterbay Police Station to process his bail.
But as Dr. Slaa was released, the fate of the other two, Boniface Mwabukusi and Mpaluka Nyangali, remained unknown given the fact that they were facing similar charges.
On Monday, August 14, his lawyer, Mr. Matata, told the Citizen that his client could face treason charges after he was told that he could not get bail.
"Since the alleged incitement charge is bailable, we immediately began the bail process, only to be informed that all charges against my client had been changed to treason, as per Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code Act, Cap 16 RE 2022," stated Mr. Matata.
On Wednesday, August 16, Minister for Information Nape Nnauye said the three individuals were arrested by the police for making specific public threats of a serious criminal nature, which included calling for the violent overthrow of the government of the day.
He said the arrested suspects, who publicly sought to incite citizens to bear arms against the Tanzania Police Force, were apprehended to send a strong message to deter any prospective offenders from committing criminal offences.
