Tanzania makes strides against mob justice

The driver accelerated, carving a path through the crowd, before bringing the vehicle to a quick halt and pulling the man aboard to safety.

Similar attacks elsewhere have often ended in tragedy, highlighting the ongoing dangers of mob justice.

According to the Crime and Tariffs Incidents Statistics Report (January–December 2024), the number of mob killings in the country dropped significantly from 997 cases in 2015 to 405 in 2024.

Mainland Tanzania recorded the most notable improvement, with cases declining from 989 in 2015 to 362 last year.

Urban areas such as Temeke and Ilala saw even greater success, with only four and seven incidents reported respectively in 2024.

Experts say this marked decline is the result of sustained efforts by both state and non-state actors to change public attitudes towards mob justice and strengthen the rule of law.

A psychologist from Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Fr Leons Maziku, said the change has been driven by consistent public education campaigns that have helped reshape collective attitudes.

“In the past, many communities believed they were justified in taking justice into their own hands. But over time, sustained community dialogues, school-based awareness programmes, and religious institutions preaching against mob justice have helped shift mindsets,” he said.

He added that psychological factors such as fear, trauma and mistrust in formal justice systems have historically driven people to act irrationally during criminal incidents.

“What we’ve seen is a gradual restoration of trust in legal systems and the emergence of community policing models that promote non-violent conflict resolution,” he said.

A psychologist from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dr Isaac Lema, echoed the sentiments and pointed to media coverage as a powerful driver of change.

“When media outlets began reporting not just the incidents but also the consequences for perpetrators—including arrests and prosecutions—the message began to resonate. People now understand that participating in a mob attack can land them in jail,” he said.

He also highlighted the psychological deterrent effect: “When citizens see that justice can be served through proper channels, and that violence is no longer tolerated—particularly in areas where police responsiveness has improved—it reduces the emotional triggers that often lead to mob attacks.”

The reduction in killings is also being linked to grassroots interventions. According to SAUT sociologist Ms Linah Kabula, empowering local leaders to mediate disputes and educate residents has played a key role.

“Training ward executives, teachers and youth leaders to act as first responders in tense situations has created an informal yet effective safety net. People now have someone they trust to contact before situations spiral out of control,” she said.

However, the situation in Zanzibar tells a different story. Mob killings in the semi-autonomous region rose from just eight in 2015 to 43 in 2024.

Mjini Magharibi and Kaskazini Unguja accounted for the majority of cases, with 19 and 12 deaths respectively.

A psychologist based in Zanzibar, Dr Halima Bakari Sued, said the increase is partly due to rising youth unemployment and growing disenchantment with the justice system on the islands.

“There is a sense of frustration and helplessness that leads people to take extreme action. We need targeted mental health programmes in Zanzibar that address underlying community grievances and provide non-violent ways for people to express dissatisfaction,” she said.

In response to the broader trend, the Tanzania Police Force said it has stepped up efforts to engage communities and hold perpetrators accountable.

Police spokesperson David Misime said the decline in mob justice incidents is the result of deliberate collaboration between law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and ordinary citizens.

“For the past few years, the police have worked closely with stakeholders to educate the public on the dangers of mob justice and the importance of following legal procedures. Those involved in such acts have been arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he said.

He added that public education remains central to their strategy.

“We continue to sensitise communities through forums, local radio and school programmes. We urge citizens to work with the police by reporting those who incite or engage in these acts so they can be brought to justice. Only by working together can we build a society free from this form of violence,” he said.