Rights’ bodies demand action over abused woman
What you need to know:
- Human rights defenders are calling for government action against alleged security officers who sexually abused a young woman in Dar es Salaam and circulated a video of the horrific incident
Dar es Salaam. Human rights defenders demanded yesterday that the government take action against ‘security officers’ who sexually abused a young woman from Yombo Dovya, Temeke District, in Dar es Salaam.
Those who raised their voices against the brutal misconduct by some unprincipled ‘security officers’ yesterday included the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) and the Legal and Human Rights Center (LHRC).
The incident, which has sparked outrage across various sectors of society, was publicly revealed by former Ubungo mayor Boniface Jacob.
In a letter signed by its new President, Mr Boniface Mwabukusi, the TLS condemned the incident, terming it a ‘gross violation of both the country’s laws and societal norms’.
On Sunday, Mr Jacob posted on X (formerly twitter) that the girl, a resident of Yombo Dovya, Temeke District, in Dar es Salaam was raped and sodomised by five men whom he referred to as ‘security officers’.
Mr Jacob stated that the five who appeared in the video, purportedly acted on orders from their boss, who is accusing the girl of having an affair with their [the boss'] husband.
Mr Jacob tagged various officials including President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Police and the Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima.
TLS denounced the heinous act yesterday and called on the Tanzania Police Force to take immediate and appropriate legal action. It [TLS] demands that all perpetrators of the vile act, as well as those who facilitated it, be apprehended and brought to justice without delay to ensure that justice is served.
“TLS firmly opposes all forms of violence and abuse against women and is prepared to collaborate with security and criminal justice agencies to ensure that those responsible face the appropriate legal consequences,” reads a statement by TLS in part.
It says according to Section 4(e) of the Tanganyika Law Society Act (Cap. 307 R.E. 2002), TLS will closely monitor the progress of the case, working alongside law enforcement and judicial bodies to ensure timely and lawful action is taken against the offenders.
“Every individual deserves respect, rights, and equality within our society. TLS calls on the community to unite against any form of abuse and violence, including the immediate cessation of sharing videos related to this incident, in order to protect the victim’s rights,” the statement reads further.
Earlier yesterday, the LHRC appealed to various stakeholder to unite in condemning the brutal act, with its [LHRC’s] executive director, Ms Anna Henga, saying the act was against Article 12 of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, which states that every person is entitled to recognition and respect for their dignity. She said LHRC was saddened by the cruelty and demand that all five perpetrators and their boss be arrested and brought to justice.
“We also request President Samia Suluhu Hassan to publicly express her dismay at this humiliating and brutal incident against a girl in her capacity as a parent and a leader who is responsible for protecting Tanzanian citizens. Ignoring these issues will only lead to increased occurrences of such issues in our society under the disguise of people abusing their positions to harm and humiliate others,” she said.
Police said on Sunday that they had launched an investigation into the brutal incident.
Police spokesperson David Misime issued a public statement addressing the incident, stating that the law enforcers had started working on the issue.
The Police described the incident as unacceptable as it is against Tanzania’s laws, ethics, and it is inhumane.
"The Police calls on all citizens to stop circulating that video as doing so is illegal and continues to demean the dignity of our fellow human being," said Mr Misime in the statement.
"We urge anyone with information to quickly help us by providing information or informing any leader you trust to ensure these people are found as soon as possible," the statement added.
