Tanzania in Turmoil: Renewed Abductions and Police Misconduct Ignite Public Outcry

By Adonis Byemelwa

In what many hoped was the end of abductions and brutality after the tenure of President John Pombe Magufuli, Tanzania finds itself once again gripped by fear and uncertainty.

The recent abduction and shooting of Edger Edson Mwakabela, known as Sativa, by law enforcement officers has reignited public outrage. Despite the severity of the incident, which left Mwakabela with a gunshot wound to the head, the government remains conspicuously silent.

Former Ubungo Mayor Boniface Jacob, a Chama Cha Demokrasia (Chadema) cadre, has been vocal on social media, interpreting this silence as a troubling signal. "The government's silence sends a message of tacit approval of these heinous acts," Jacob wrote in one of his viral posts.

 He suggests that this silence is intended to instill fear within the community, particularly among those who frequently criticize the administration. Jacob argues this atmosphere of fear is a deliberate strategy to suppress dissent and ensure compliance with the government's agenda.

The legacy of President Magufuli's administration was marked by numerous incidents that tarnished the government's reputation, including disappearances, torture, abductions, and murders.

 In 2016 and early 2017, opposition figure Tundu Lissu, MP for Singida East and Chief Legal Officer of Chadema, labeled Magufuli a "petty dictator," emphasizing the unprecedented nature of his actions and the necessity of opposing him.

By April 2018, Freeman Mbowe, Chairman of Chadema and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, declared Magufuli a "full-blown dictator" following numerous incidents involving disappearances, torture, and framing and imprisonment of critics.

Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania is confronting escalating police misconduct issues. Former CCM Secretary Paul Makonda urgently calls for police reform, citing widespread problems such as extortion, disappearances, brutality, and corruption within the force.

 He emphasizes the immediate need for top-level intervention to restore integrity and accountability in law enforcement, reflecting growing public discontent and calls for decisive action.

The abduction and tragic death of Robert Mushi, known as Babu G, has not only shocked Dar es Salaam but also ignited a storm of controversy. Over the past two months, social media was inundated with news of Babu G's untimely passing, sending shockwaves through the city and provoking heated debate on the rampant issue of extrajudicial killings and its profound implications for public trust in law enforcement agencies.

 Babu G, the brother of Boniface Jacob, vanished under mysterious circumstances in April after allegedly being apprehended by individuals claiming to be police officers in the bustling Kariakoo area. Despite desperate efforts by his family to locate him, their searches proved futile.

Boniface Jacob took to his Twitter account to express his dismay, highlighting the apparent complicity of law enforcement authorities.

"What makes this tragedy even more disturbing is the apparent complicity of law enforcement authorities," he wrote. Jacob criticized the police's denial of Babu G's disappearance and their lack of cooperation in the investigation.

Further complicating matters, Dar es Salaam Special Zones Police Commander Jumanne Muliro accused Jacob and another individual, Malisa Godlisten, of spreading false information on social media about Babu G's disappearance and death.

"The police force would arrest and take action against them, including taking them to court. We cannot tolerate this misinformation about Babu G's death," Commander Muliro stated, though he did not provide details regarding the circumstances of Babu G's death.

The disappearance and death of Babu G have raised serious questions about the integrity of law enforcement agencies in Tanzania. The public's growing mistrust is compounded by the recent killing of Octavian Temba, a young man from Komela Village in the Kilimanjaro Region.

 On May 9, 2024, Temba was allegedly shot by officers from the Kilimanjaro National Park (Kinapa) while cutting grass for livestock near the park. His wife, Dativa Raymond, recounted the tragic events that unfolded that day. "We live near the park. He left home at around 2:30 a.m. I waited until 4 a.m. and didn't see him. Before that, we heard gunshots from the park," Dativa recounted with anguish.

Despite frantic efforts to locate her husband, including a search of the surrounding forest and inquiries at local police stations, Temba remained missing.

 It wasn't until later that day, after a grueling wait at the police station, that the devastating news of Temba's death was confirmed. "After my wife stayed at the police station until 7 p.m., we received a phone call saying that he was found, and his body was at KCMC Hospital," Dativa revealed, her voice trembling with grief.

The community's response has been one of grief and anger, sparking protests and demands for justice. The Kilimanjaro Regional Police are currently holding two Kinapa officers and a ranger in connection with the shooting. This incident underlines the urgent need for reform within law enforcement agencies to prevent further tragedies and restore public trust.

The recent arrest of Erasto Rweimamu, a prominent Kariakoo businessman and Chairman of the "RAHA SQUARE" business hub, has intensified a strike by traders. On June 22, 2024, Kariakoo business leaders asked Rweimamu to accompany them to a meeting in Dodoma called by government ministers.

However, while en route, Rweimamu was arrested, leaving traders in Dar es Salaam and his family in the dark about his whereabouts. His phones became unreachable, and leaders provided no clear answers, leading traders to grow suspicious and resolve to continue their strike. Rweimamu's arrest, while attempting to resolve a conflict with traders, is perceived as a severe misstep by the government, exacerbating the strike that has now spread to Mwanza and Mbeya.

The government's silence on recent abductions and shootings, particularly the case of Edger Edson Mwakabela, has ignited public outrage and rampant speculation.

Found by Tanapa Rangers on June 27, 2024, in Katavi National Park with a gunshot wound to the head, Mwakabela's ordeal has yet to elicit any comment from senior government officials. Despite the gravity of the incident, no condolences or condemnations have been issued, drawing sharp criticism from former Ubungo Mayor Boniface Jacob.

As a Chama Cha Demokrasia (Chadema) cadre, Jacob's vocal denouncement on social media has gained significant traction, intensifying public concern over the government's stance on such violent acts. "We have a weird president like never before... he must be opposed by every rational person," he posted, highlighting the administration's seemingly deliberate indifference.

 Jacob argues that the silence is intended to instill fear within the community, particularly among those who frequently criticize the administration. This atmosphere of fear, he believes, is a calculated strategy to suppress dissent and ensure compliance with the government's agenda.

He speculates that senior officials are waiting for a directive from the top before making any public statements. Until then, silence appears to be the chosen response.

Jacob sees the lack of official action or explanation as a move to maintain control and discourage further criticism. "The government's silence sends a clear message: they are either complicit or indifferent to the violence against their people," he emphasized.

 In a nation still reeling from the legacy of former President John Pombe Magufuli's autocratic measures, this incident has reopened old wounds and stoked fears of a return to oppressive tactics. The disappearance and tragic death of Robert Mushi, known as Babu G, further exacerbated the situation. Jacob's relentless pursuit of justice for his brother underscores a broader struggle against impunity and corruption within the police force.

The public's demand for action and transparency grows louder, amplifying Jacob's poignant assertion: "Silence is not just an absence of words; it is an absence of justice."

This powerful indictment encapsulates the frustration and anger of a populace demanding to be heard. As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the government will finally break its silence and address the cries for justice echoing across Tanzania.