By Adonis Byemelwa
In Arusha, serious allegations have emerged against Omary Mahita, the Arusha City Investigation Officer, who is accused of brutally assaulting a suspect, resulting in a broken leg during an interrogation. The incident, which took place on June 6, 2024, has sparked significant concern regarding police conduct in Tanzania.
According to Police Commander Justine Masejo, the investigation into these allegations was initiated on August 8, 2024, following a complaint from the suspect’s family. Masejo confirmed that the probe is underway and emphasized that if Officer Mahita is found guilty, he will face legal consequences.
Peter Charles, the 21-year-old resident of Daraja II, detailed his harrowing experience. On May 29, 2024, at approximately 1:20 A.M, Charles and his friends were at a friend’s house in Daraja II, watching television. Three officers, including one driver, arrived at the scene, knocked on the door, and identified themselves before forcing the group into their vehicle.
Charles recounted, “They took us to the police station without telling us why. We asked about the reason for our detention, but they only said we would find out at the station.”
The group was held at the station for three days without any explanation of the charges against them. On the fourth day, they were interrogated about alleged involvement in street gambling. Despite their protests of innocence, Charles claimed that the officers subjected them to severe beatings.
“We were beaten with sticks on our knees, backs, and waists. They said if we admitted to the gambling charges, they would let us go,” Charles explained. “We refused to confess because we weren’t involved in any gambling. We were then sent back to detention with severe pain.”
Charles described a particularly brutal assault on the seventh day of their detention. Two officers, including one identified as Mahita, reportedly attacked the detainees. Charles alleged that Mahita stomped on his legs, causing fractures and severe pain.
“Officer Mahita forced us to lie on our stomachs and then started stomping on our legs,” Charles recounted. “He stomped so hard that I heard the bone snap. It was excruciating, and blood started pouring out. When Mahita realized he had broken my leg, he just told us to get up and questioned whose blood it was. I told him it was mine. We were then sent back to our cells with no medical care.”
Charles’s uncle, who requested to remain anonymous, said they discovered the extent of Charles’s injuries three days later. Efforts to secure bail were initially thwarted, forcing the family to contact the Inspector General of Police (IGP). Although bail was eventually granted, it was marred by bureaucratic delays and medical neglect.
“My nephew was in extreme pain, and we struggled to get him the medical attention he needed,” the uncle said. “I had to lie to a local health center, claiming he had fallen, to get him treated. The X-rays revealed severe fractures, and we were advised to take him to Seliani Hospital.”
The uncle further described the family’s frustration: “When we went back to the police station to process bail, we were told that the RB number for the charge was incorrect, and Peter’s case was listed as one of armed robbery instead of gambling. We had to wait until Monday for him to be seen and processed correctly.”
The unfolding case underlines broader issues of police misconduct in Tanzania. The Justice Commission, led by Retired Judge Othman Chande, was established to address such concerns and ensure police accountability. However, the apparent negligence of the Commission’s recommendations suggests systemic issues within law enforcement.
Tanzania’s approach contrasts with other countries that have successfully integrated robust oversight mechanisms into their policing systems. For instance, South Africa’s Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) plays a critical role in overseeing police conduct and addressing complaints. This body has been instrumental in improving accountability and reducing incidents of police abuse.
Similarly, Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has effectively investigated police misconduct, helping to rebuild public trust. The IPOA’s success in enforcing human rights standards and holding officers accountable offers a model for Tanzania.
The situation in Tanzania, highlighted by the case of Peter Charles, illustrates the urgent need for comprehensive reform in the country’s policing system. Strengthening oversight bodies, ensuring thorough investigations into misconduct, and fostering a culture of accountability are crucial steps in addressing these challenges and safeguarding human rights.
The ongoing investigation into Officer Mahita is drawing keen scrutiny from both the public and human rights advocates, who are demanding that justice be served and that such abuses be handled with the utmost seriousness.
This case highlights the critical need for rigorous oversight and systemic reform within Tanzania’s police force. The Justice Commission has been fundamental in recommending necessary reforms to address police misconduct. However, its impact has been stymied by inconsistent implementation and lack of enforcement. Without a robust mechanism to ensure accountability, cases like Charles’s will continue to underscore the urgent need for transformative change in law enforcement practices. For Tanzania to move forward, it must embrace comprehensive oversight and take decisive action against abuse, ensuring that every individual’s rights are respected and protected.
