Tanzania Police Force on spotlight for using stations as torture chambers

Dar es Salaam. The Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) has revealed the existence of police stations where suspects are illegally subjected to torture and harsh interrogation techniques before legal arrest procedures are initiated.

CHRAGG says this constitutes a violation of legal procedures governing the arrest and detention of suspects in police cells.

Torture in these stations include whipping and other forms of violence, resulting in injuries to accused citizens.

The Commission recommends several measures to address these issues: providing training to law enforcement officers on human rights and good governance, installing CCTV cameras in police stations to capture incidents of torture and human rights violations, and extending disciplinary measures against those responsible for such occurrences.

CHRAGG Chairman, Judge (rtd) Mathew Mwaimu, made the revelation in Dodoma on July 19, 2024, during a press briefing where he outlined the commission’s performance in investigating and addressing various cases reported by citizens from across the country.

He reported that the commission investigated various claims of police misconduct, including an incident in Morogoro in September 2023 where a police officer was accused of arresting, whipping, and harassing an individual, resulting in severe injuries and disability.

“Another probe was carried against a police officer stationed at the Central Police Station in Dodoma who is accused of arresting an individual against legal procedures in January 2024,” he said.

He added, "This investigation began after the media reported and depicted the victim's claim that law enforcers conducted the arrest in violation of legal procedures. The victim alleged that they were subjected to harassment during questioning, including being undressed, in connection with accusations of breaking into a shop."

Judge (rtd) Mwaimu also stated that CHRAGG investigated claims of torture and harassment against a police officer involved in an incident with a businessman and a resident of Ubaruku in Mbarali District, Mbeya Region, which occurred in April 2024.

Finally, Judge (rtd) Mwaimu mentioned another investigated incident involving the Tanzania Police Force in the Kilimanjaro Region.

The police were accused of harassing, unlawfully detaining, and charging a resident of Moshi in March of this year.

According to Judge (rtd) Mwaimu, in a case involving a police officer in Dodoma, CHRAGG confirmed that there were violations of legal procedures in the arrest and detention of a suspect.

The officer subjected the suspect to acts of cruelty and harassment and denied them bail.

He stated, "The Commission revealed the presence of certain police stations specifically used for torturing suspects during questioning before transferring them to other police stations."

Regarding claims from Mbarali in Mbeya Region, the commission’s chairman stated that evidence proved the businessman was remanded and denied bail for over 20 days.

"He was also harassed to the extent of sustaining wounds on his hands from being handcuffed during the mistreatment. Additionally, he was injured on his right leg due to whipping and was subsequently denied medical treatment,” Judge (rtd) Mwaimu said.

He said that in the claim filed by a resident of Morogoro, the commission confirmed that the person was beaten and subjected to harassment, resulting in injuries inflicted by the police.

“However, in the investigation on claims levelled against a police officer in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, the Commission failed to confirm the allegations,” he said.

Following the shared findings, Judge (rtd) Mwaimu stated that the commission recommended frequent training for police officers on human rights and good governance to ensure adherence to legal requirements and procedures.

"The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has been advised to install CCTV cameras in police stations and counters to monitor all incidents, particularly those involving inmates and citizens arriving at the stations for various reasons," he added.

"The IGP should also extend disciplinary measures against police officers implicated in incidents of beating and harassment, as detailed in the analysis," he concluded.

Tanzania Police Force Spokesperson David Misime, reacted to CHRAGG’s findings saying they regard it as a feedback on the performance of the Police Force.

"When you are told that your shirt is dirty, you should take it off and wash it with soap and water to clean it. This is how the Police Force will address the deficiencies identified by the Commission,” Misime noted.

Regarding the installation of CCTV cameras, Misime stated that work has already commenced as part of implementing the President's directives for the Police Force to integrate ICT systems into their operations.

This initiative aims to ensure that citizens receive their rights efficiently and in a timely manner.

“The Police Force is also implementing the recommendations of the Human Rights Commission, including the use of ICT in its operations,” he said.

In line with the President's directives and the Commission’s recommendations, CCTV systems are being installed in new and upcoming police stations.

For instance, installations are planned for Gezaulole Police Station in Kigamboni, Mtumba, new offices for Police Commanders in Singida, Katavi, North Unguja, and South Unguja, among others.

Additionally, he said there are 17 Command Offices and Stations expected to be opened soon, and CCTV cameras will be among the systems installed in these facilities.

“The Police Force's ICT specialists have already estimated the costs for installing CCTV cameras at police stations and LAN systems to enable ICT usage across all offices,” he said.