Man arrested for spreading false information about the death of rape victim

Dar es Salaam. Police in Dar es Salaam have arrested man for spreading false information on social media, alleging that the girl who was gang raped and sodomised has passed away.

Tegeta resident Amos Rwiza, 54, is accused of misleading the public, causing panic and interfering with the police investigations over the matter that has so far caused widespread outrage.

Dar es Salaam Special Zone Commander Jumanne Muliro told reporters on Wednesday that the report that the girl had died is not true and that the law enforcers were in the final stages of investigating the incident.

Mr Muliro said that the girl is alive, adding that the death reports were false.

"We have arrested the suspect for spreading false information and interfering with the investigation process, as we are in the final stages. The police spokesperson will issue a statement soon," said Mr Muliro.

He emphasised that the police adhere to the country's constitution, which does not prohibit people from expressing their opinions, but if someone spreads misinformation, they will be held legally accountable.

He said the suspect who spread false information on social media, caused panic in the community, and once the investigation is complete, he will be brought to court.

On August 4, 2024, social media circulated videos showing five men sexually assaulting the woman while accusing her of having an affair with another person’s husband.

In the footage, the woman was heard identifying herself and pleading for forgiveness from someone identified as a security officer.

The video, reportedly recorded by the men, has been widely shared online.

It was former Ubungo mayor, Mr Boniface Jacob who posted the incident on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday that the victim, a resident of Yombo Dovya in Temeke District, Dar es Salaam, was raped and sodomised by the men, tagging government officials including President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Police immediately launched manhunt which has resulted into the arrest of three people so far, in connection with the incident.