Tanganyika Law Society condemns ‘security officers’ sexual violence, calls for legal action

Dar es Salaam. The Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) has joined a chorus of condemnation following reports of alleged sexual violence committed by individuals described as security officers against a young woman from Dar es Salaam.

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, 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 said 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.

And on Monday, TLS denounced the heinous act 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.

Police said yesterday (Sunday) that they had initiated an investigation into the brutal incident.

Police spokesperson David Misime issued a public statement addressing the incident, stating that the law enforcers have started working on the issue.

The Police described the incident as unacceptable as it is against the law, Tanzanian ethics, and 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.