Journos narrate ordeals at hands of Dar es Salaam police

Dar es Salaam. Monday, September 23, 2024 will be a day to remember for three journalists from Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) — Baraka Loshilaa, Lawrence Mnubi, and Michael Matemanga.

The three were subjected to beatings, harassment, and unlawful detention by police while covering the opposition party Chadema’s planned protests.

The protests, which were blocked by police in various areas of Dar es Salaam, saw journalists assigned to report from key locations — Ilala, Buguruni, and Mnazi Mmoja.

Despite enduring violence, the trio managed to send stories, photos, and videos that kept the public informed about the protests’ suppression.

Loshilaa was assaulted by police at Buguruni where he was detained despite identifying himself as a journalist. “As we speak, I’m at a hospital in Kinondoni receiving treatment for back, leg, and buttock injuries from the beatings,” he shared.

Loshilaa had started his day at Ilala Boma around 6:00am, prepared to cover the protests with his press ID visibly hanging around his neck.

After briefly interacting with friendly police officers and filing reports from Ilala, he moved to Buguruni.

There, while looking for a restroom, police officers mistook him for a Chadema leader and arrested him.

Despite showing his press ID, Loshilaa and two other journalists were beaten and harassed in a police vehicle.

Videographer Mnubi was arrested at Ilala Boma and taken to Msimbazi Police Station. Despite repeatedly identifying himself as a journalist, he was told to explain his actions to other officers.

On the way to the station, a police officer stepped on his back for the entire journey. Mnubi was denied the opportunity to inform his employer or relatives about his arrest for over 45 minutes.

Photographer Matemanga was detained at Buguruni for taking photos without informing police officers.

While he was not beaten, officers seized his camera and phone, reviewing his images and private communications.

“One officer squeezed my ribs for an extended period and wouldn’t allow me to explain myself,” he recalled.

Matemanga stressed the need for better police training on working with journalists, especially during sensitive events like protests.

He noted that such mistreatment of journalists has become disturbingly common in his experience.

The management of Mwananchi Communications visited the police stations where their staff were being held and managed to secure their release.

However, attempts to contact the police spokesperson, David Misime. for comment about the incident were unsuccessful.