Police deny holding Heche as Chadema intensifies search

Dar es Salaam. The Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police have denied detaining Chadema Vice Chairman John Heche, even as the party’s Deputy Secretary General, Mr  Aman Golugwa, said efforts to trace his whereabouts are ongoing.

Mr Heche was reportedly arrested on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, shortly after launching a public rally as part of Chadema’s “No Reforms, No Election” campaign.

The event took place in the Mkunguni and Nyamwezi area, opposite the Kariakoo International Market.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi, Mr Golugwa said: “Until now, we don’t know where our leader is. We have been to all the police stations, including Central and Oysterbay, but he hasn’t been found.”

Mr Golugwa said Mr Heche was initially placed in one vehicle following his Mkunguni arrest. Still, he was later transferred to another en route to the Central Police Station.

“There’s a vehicle we’re currently tracking to determine where he was taken and is being held,” he said.

Contacted for comment, Special Zone Police Commander Jumanne Muliro said: “In short, we haven’t arrested anyone. We were simply containing the situation in the area. Had the police not intervened, something worse might have occurred.”

Commander Muliro said officers intervened to disperse the crowd surrounding Mr Heche to restore order, adding that they suspected an unlawful act was about to occur.

“We haven’t arrested Mr Heche. If you have his number, call him first before coming to me with questions,” he said.

In his statement, Commander Muliro acknowledged that public rallies are permitted, but emphasised that previous warnings issued by the authorities had been disregarded.

“There must be mutual respect in the execution of responsibilities. If you are advised by authorities, it is important to heed that advice in the interest of public safety,” he added.

Chadema’s campaign, advocating for electoral reforms ahead of the forthcoming general election, has been characterised by a series of public meetings held across the country.

The party maintains that no credible election can be held without meaningful reforms, particularly concerning the electoral commission and legal frameworks governing elections.

However, reports published later on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Chadema said on its X platform, formerly Twitter: “Tonight, we managed to reach Chadema’s Vice Chairman for Mainland, John Heche, by phone.”

“He is expected to provide further details at a press conference scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the party’s headquarters. The briefing will begin at 1:00 pm.”

Keep following for ongoing coverage of this developing news story.