Parents and Guardians Flock Mburahati Primary School Amidst Kidnapping Fears

By Adonis Byemelwa

On the afternoon of July 22, 2024, a wave of fear and uncertainty swept through Mburahati Primary School in Dar es Salaam. Parents and guardians, alarmed by reports of a black van without registration numbers seen near the school, stormed the premises to ensure the safety of their children. The incident unfolded following rumors that the vehicle was linked to recent kidnappings in the area, prompting a swift and overwhelming response from concerned families.

According to an unnamed woman, she was at home in Kigogo when she received distressing news from another parent who had picked up her child, claiming that two children had died, and parents were rushing to the school to retrieve their children. The woman, gripped by fear, hurried to Mburahati Primary School, joining other anxious parents. Another parent, echoing the sentiment, said, "I heard such alarming news and had to come to verify. I had to go to the classroom to make sure. My child is here, yes, here at nine, come and pick up your children."

The chaotic scene saw a large crowd gather at the school, overwhelming the administration and prompting the intervention of the police. The authorities, upon arrival, worked to calm the parents and guardians. The school management, to ensure the safety of the students, decided to dismiss them one by one, verifying the identity of each parent or guardian before allowing them to leave with their child. Those children whose parents or guardians did not arrive were kept at the school under supervision.

This incident is part of a troubling trend of child abductions in Dar es Salaam, where unknown individuals using various vehicles have reportedly been kidnapping children. The most recent and gruesome case involved an eight-year-old boy, Telesphore Mwakalinga from Dodoma, who went missing on July 17, 2024. His body was later found with several parts, including his genitals, removed. This heinous act has fueled widespread fear and outrage across the community.

In response to these incidents, President Samia Suluhu, speaking to cultural and traditional leaders on July 20, 2024, called for collective action to stop the kidnappings. She urged the community to dispel the myths linking these crimes to the upcoming 2025 General Elections. "Another thing, go and raise awareness; for now, when you question these incidents [of kidnapping], people say it’s because of the election, people want to be elected. Go and tell the politicians, if the assertion is true, you are the traditional leaders, you know these things, tell the politicians that they cannot get political positions that way," President Samia emphasized.

The police have since arrested one individual for spreading rumors that exacerbated the panic. Among the false reports were claims of children being kidnapped from Mbagala and Kisewe schools, with organs such as kidneys and eyes reportedly taken.

In a broader context, the issue of child abduction and abuse has become a significant concern in Tanzania, particularly with the upcoming 2025 General Elections. The Legal and Human Rights Center (LHRC), through its Executive Director, Dr. Anna Henga, has strongly condemned these acts. Dr. Henga highlighted the urgent need for robust measures to protect children and bring perpetrators to justice. She stressed that these crimes not only violate basic human rights but also instill fear and insecurity in communities.

Dr. Dorothy Gwajima, the Minister of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, has taken a strong stance against the recent heinous acts of child abduction and abuse in Tanzania. She has called for heightened vigilance and greater community involvement to safeguard the nation's children. Dr. Gwajima emphasized the government's unwavering commitment, in partnership with civil society organizations, to combating these crimes and ensuring the safety of every child.

The prevailing atmosphere of fear and mistrust highlights the critical need for accurate information and community unity in addressing the challenges of child abuse and abductions. As Tanzania approaches the 2025 General Elections, both leaders and citizens must come together to protect the most vulnerable members of society. This collective effort is essential to fostering a secure and supportive environment where all children can thrive safely