Slaa charged with spreading false information online

Dar es Salaam. Veteran politician, Dr Wilbroad Slaa (76) appeared at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court on Friday, January 10, 2025, to face charges of spreading false information via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

In Criminal Case No. 993 of 2025, the former Tanzanian Ambassador to Sweden appeared before Principal Resident Magistrate Beda Nyaki, who is presiding over the case.

Earlier, Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Jumanne Muliro confirmed Dr Slaa’s detention for questioning.

“The doctor is indeed with us, and we have been interrogating him on certain matters. Our discussions are progressing well, and we are reviewing the legal processes to determine the next steps. More information will be provided later,” Mr Muliro said.

News of Dr Slaa’s arrest and detention quickly spread on social media on Friday, January 10, 2025, accompanied by a recorded message in which Dr Slaa was heard discussing his arrest.

In the recording, he informed listeners that he was being taken to Mbweni Police Station in Dar es Salaam.

“I’m just informing you that some police officers have come for me. I will let you know what happens. I’m being taken to Mbweni station,” the widely circulated voice recording stated.

Reports suggest that Dr Slaa was arrested early on Friday, January 10, 2025, while engaging in routine exercises near his home in Mbweni.

Dr Slaa is a prominent figure in Tanzanian politics, having previously served as the opposition Chadema Secretary-General, Member of Parliament for Karatu, and Tanzania’s Ambassador to Sweden.

This incident is the latest in a series of high-profile actions involving opposition leaders in the country.