Tanzania’s Chadema Cadre Held by Police for Alleged Cyber Misuse Amid Concerns of Political Intimidation

By Adonis Byemelwa

It has been 29 days since Kombo Mbwana (29), a cadre of the opposition party Chadema, disappeared. The Tanga Regional Police have now confirmed his detention on charges of cyber misuse. Kombo, a resident of Komsala in Handeni District, was reported missing on June 15, 2024.

Acting Regional Police Commander of Tanga, Zacharia Bernard, announced today, Sunday, July 14, 2024, that Kombo is accused of using unregistered electronic devices and SIM cards to commit cybercrimes, contravening national laws. Bernard urged citizens to refrain from abusing social media, emphasizing that such actions are illegal.

Kombo's wife, Mariam Rajabu (20), recently recounted to reporters the moments leading up to his disappearance. While cleaning their home, a stranger approached her, inquiring about the construction of their house’s foundation.

She informed him that it was being built by her mother and husband. The stranger asked numerous questions, prompting Mariam to call her husband.

According to Mariam, the stranger told Kombo that he had bought the land, including the farm, and invited him to his car parked nearby to show him the documents.

“They walked towards the car, pointing out the area, and as soon as he got into the car, it sped away,” Mariam recounted. She has not seen her husband since that moment. “I urge the government to find my husband. I have a young child who needs his father, who was everything to us,” she pleaded.

Joseph Minango, Chairman of Komsala Village, stated that he has no information about the alleged sale of Kombo’s farm. Meanwhile, Kombo Matulu, Secretary of Chadema’s Handeni Urban constituency, said that despite extensive efforts, they have not been able to locate Kombo

Handeni District Commissioner Albert Msando confirmed that the incident is under police investigation and urged the family and the public to remain calm. “The government has never failed in any matter. Let us stay calm,” he reassured.

This incident is unfolding against a backdrop of increasing reports of police intimidation targeting opposition members. Human rights organizations and the Justice Commission have previously recommended reforms to prevent the misuse of police authority for political purposes.

Notable figures within Chadema have voiced their concerns. Godbless Lema, a prominent Chadema cadre, and Tundu Lissu, Chadema’s Deputy Chairman for Mainland Tanzania, have both criticized the apparent use of police forces to suppress political opposition. Lissu, in particular, has been a vocal critic, pointing to numerous instances where the police have allegedly been used to intimidate and silence opposition voices.

The current situation with Kombo Mbwana is seen by many as another example of the broader issue of political interference in law enforcement, raising questions about the impartiality and independence of the police in Tanzania. The public and international observers are closely watching how the authorities will handle Kombo’s case, hoping for a resolution that respects human rights and upholds the rule of law.