Tanzania’s Dodoma police boss transferred amid controversy over comments on gang-rape victim

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania's police force, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camillius Wambura has transferred the Dodoma Regional Police Commander Theopista Mallya to police headquarters in an apparent reaction to the latter’s remarks regarding a gang rape victim.

George Katabazi will replace her as the new Regional Police Commander (RPC), according to a statement from the police force.

The transfer comes in the wake of controversial remarks made by Commander Mallya regarding a young woman who was gang-raped by five men.

Mallya reportedly described the victim as a sex worker and suggested that the perpetrators might have been intoxicated with alcohol or marijuana.

She also implied that the woman might have been engaging in prostitution.

In response to the backlash, police spokesperson David Misime issued a statement distancing the police force from Mallya's comments.

An investigation is currently underway to determine the accuracy of her remarks.

The police have apologized to those affected and offended by the statements that have surfaced in the media.

Misime further announced that the suspects involved in the case will appear in court on Monday, August 19, 2024.

On Sunday, August 18, 2024, Mwananchi, a sister publication of The Citizen, reached out to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Sylvester Mwakitalu for an update on the investigation.

Mwakitalu stated that the case file has not yet been reviewed as the police were still conducting their investigations.

"The investigation is still ongoing.

Once the file reaches me, it will be a matter of finalizing the investigation. For now, the police are continuing with their inquiries," Mwakitalu said.

Asked about the investigation's progress, the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Ramadhan Kingai, directed inquiries to the Dodoma RPC and the Police Spokesperson for the most accurate updates.

"For details on the case status, please contact the Dodoma Regional Police Commander or the Police Spokesperson," Kingai advised.

A video of the assault, which went viral on social media on Sunday, August 4, 2024, shows the five suspects sexually assaulting the young woman.

In another video, the suspects are seen interrogating the victim, forcing her to apologize to someone referred to as ‘Afande’ under duress.

In a public statement issued on August 9, 2024, Police Spokesperson David Misime clarified that the incident actually took place in May 2024 in the Swaswa area of Dodoma.

The suspects have been identified as Clinton Damas, known as ‘Nyundo,’ Praygod Mushi, Amini Lema, and Nikson Jakson.

They were apprehended in the Dodoma and Coast regions, while the search continues for two additional suspects who have yet to be arrested.