Parents, schools on alert amid child disappearance reports

The exact number of children who have gone missing in the city in recent months is not known, but reports of missing children are frequently reported by the media.

Police in Dar es Salaam said last Saturday that they have received four reports of violence against children in Mbagala and Temeke since March, with three minors dying in the incidents.

Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone Commander Jumanne Muliro said investigations are underway and two suspects have been arrested.

“Three children died in some of the incidents, but it’s not true that their organs were removed as claimed on social media,” he told reporters.

A resident of Tabata, Ms Faudhia Rashid, voiced her anxiety about the development.

“It’s heart-breaking to hear such stories and I’m now ever more watchful as far as my children are concerned. We need better security measures and more awareness to protect our children,” she said.

Another parent, Ms Fausta Bernard, said the string of child disappearances in Dar es Salaam in recent months has prompted fear and anxiety among the city’s residents.

“I always make sure that I escort my child to school and pick her up myself. We need to work closely with schools and authorities to ensure our children’s safety,” she said.

A resident of Mabibo, Mr Nehemiah Sayuni, emphasised the need for community involvement.

“We need more community awareness and involvement and swift police response to reports of child disappearances,” he said.

Some schools informed parents and guardians of additional measures meant to guarantee the safety of pupils.

For instance, in a statement signed by the head teacher of Kongowe Islamic Nursery and Primary School, Mr Said Hassan, parents were urged to ensure that their children are escorted to school or places where they are picked up by school buses.

The school reminded parents to immediately report to teachers or security personnel when they notice strangers attempting to pick children up at school or school bus pickup points.

Mr Hassan said parents should not leave their children unattended at bus stops and should make sure that they are picked up at school by individuals who are familiar to them.

Those picking up their children at school are now required to provide their particulars in writing at the main gate.

“We are concerned about mounting incidents of violence and the disappearance of innocent children,” Mr Hassan said in the statement.

“Dear parents and guardians, let us work together and continue educating our children about any potential danger so they can be more cautious. This includes avoiding engaging strangers in conversation for children who are capable of coming to school on their own,” he added.

A similar statement was issued by Green Belt School, which urged parents to be more cautious about the incidents.

“We will not hand your child to any person whom we are not familiar with when they come to pick them up from school,” it said.

“For the pupils who walk home alone, let us warn them to avoid accepting gifts from strangers.”

Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP) executive director Lillian Liundi told The Citizen that children need to be protected because they cannot defend themselves.

“The disappearance of children indicates that there are still gaps in the way we protect our children. This is why these incidents have refused to go away, causing panic in communities,” she said.

Ms Liundi added that all people are responsible for protecting children and urged the Police Force to respond promptly when such cases are reported to them.

Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) national coordinator Onesmo Olengurumwa said there is a need for police to accord efforts to find missing children more urgency.

“If a child is not in the expected location, the police should start investigating immediately after receiving the report. This prompt action is crucial in increasing chances of quickly locating a missing child,” he said.

Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) executive director Anna Henga said parents, guardians, teachers and those working directly with children should step up their efforts to ensure that children play in areas where they can be easily seen and monitored.

“We should also avoid sending children to distant or dangerous places, even during the day, as they can easily be snatched by predators,” she added.

Police Force spokesperson David Misime could not be reached for comment despite his mobile number being called several times and text messages sent.