Rising Disappearances Under Suspicious Circumstances in Tanzania: A Growing Concern

By Adonis Byemelwa

Dar es Salaam. In a troubling development in Tanzania, there has been a rise in disappearances under suspicious circumstances, often linked to individuals posing as police officers. Reports indicate that some of these individuals arrive in vehicles resembling police cars and forcibly take people from their homes, leaving no trace behind.

Recently, the disappearance of four young men from the Temeke district in Dar es Salaam and one resident from the Geita region has raised significant concern. Despite a month-long search, efforts to locate them have been unsuccessful.

The young men—Ramadhan Sultan (20), Charles Kelvin (18), Abdulrazack Salim (18), and another unidentified individual—vanished on June 20, 2024. According to their families, the men were taken from a birthday party in Tandika Maguruwe, Zone Saba ward in Temeke. Eyewitnesses reported that two vehicles arrived at the scene around 8:00 pm—one a police vehicle and the other a Toyota Noah.

Faa Khamis, whose son Abdulrazack is missing, described the harrowing scene: “Suddenly, three individuals got out of a civilian car and arrested our three sons and another person.” Faa, a resident of Yombo Street, Temeke, received the news from a girl at the party.

She rushed to the scene, where she saw the festivities continuing with a police car present. She later followed the car to Chang’ombe Police Station but was told her son was not there. Her search continued at the Makangarawe Police Post, but there were no leads.

Rehema Mcheni, from Mbagala Charambe, Mihanzini Street, learned about Kelvin’s disappearance the next day from friends at the party. “We checked several police stations, including the Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam Special Zone, but he wasn’t there,” she said. Kelvin, who worked as a motorcycle taxi operator, remains unaccounted for.

Fatuma Abubakari, from Temeke Mikoroshini, discovered her son Sultan’s disappearance on June 21 from his friends. They informed her that he had been arrested by the police. “While searching the police stations, I met Faa and Rehema, who were also looking for their children,” she said. Sultan, a motorcycle taxi operator, had a previous minor arrest but had no recent legal issues.

Mohamed Masoud, Chairman of Zone Saba Local Government, explained that he saw community police in a patrol vehicle at the party. He clarified that his involvement was only to check on suspects, and he did not witness any arrests. He directed the parents to the police station, though their children were not among those detained.

Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, Jumanne Muliro, denied any police involvement in the abductions and assured a thorough investigation into the parents' reports. “The force is vigilant and committed to ensuring the protection of rights,” he stated.

In Geita, Daniel Sayi (48), a cattle trader, was reportedly abducted by unknown individuals on May 13, 2024. He was seized at his home in Nyarugusu Ward by four men in a white Toyota Land Cruiser who handcuffed him without explanation. Despite searching multiple police stations in the area, his family has been unable to find him.

Daniel’s son, Michael, recounted: “Four men questioned me about my father’s whereabouts and, believing them to be friends, I directed them. They found him watching football, handcuffed him, and forced him into their car.” Daniel’s father, Elias Sayi, expressed concern for his son and the family’s well-being. “We have not received any complaints about him. We are seeking closure and government assistance,” he said.

Ibrahim Masanja, Daniel’s uncle, lamented the lack of feedback despite extensive reporting efforts. “He supported 23 children and three wives,” Masanja added. Salome Nyasika, Daniel’s wife, spoke of the family’s struggles since his disappearance.

Geita Regional Police Commander, Safia Jongo, promised a thorough investigation. “I need detailed reports from the stations to proceed with the investigation. Challenges may arise, but we are committed to finding out what happened,” she said.

Human Rights Centre Executive Director Anna Henga urged a comprehensive probe into these incidents. “We need to understand why these disappearances are happening. Just as with the killings of albinos, we must address the root causes,” she emphasized. She called for a thorough analysis of each case to locate the missing individuals.

Criminal justice advocates have criticized unlawful police practices, suggesting that criminal elements exploit gaps in the system, further victimizing families. The law requires police to announce and identify arrests, and misuse of detention facilities has heightened community concerns.