Tanzania Government Vows Strict Action Following Brutal Assault

By Adonis Byemelwa

Dar es Salaam: In a strong response to a recent horrific assault in Dar es Salaam, Dr. Stergomena Tax, the Minister of Defence and National Service, has pledged that the government will not tolerate any breach of the law. Individuals found guilty of such acts will face appropriate legal consequences.

Dr. Tax's remarks come in the wake of a distressing incident involving the gang rape and assault of a young woman from Yombo Dovya, Dar es Salaam. The attack, which occurred on August 4, 2024, involved a group of five young men. Disturbing footage of the attack, which surfaced on social media, shows the perpetrators sexually assaulting the victim while accusing her of having relations with a married man. The video also features the attackers demanding an apology from the victim, who is referred to by the title "Afande."

In a statement on August 6, 2024, Dr. Tax reiterated the government's stance on upholding the law. When asked if military personnel were involved, Dr. Tax clarified that the Tanzania Police Force is responsible for the investigation and that it is up to them to identify the perpetrators and determine their affiliations.

The Minister emphasized that any inquiries about the investigation should be directed to the police, who are handling the case. “If you mention my soldier, I’ll say you’ve named someone, but I cannot confirm because the investigation is being conducted by another entity,” Dr. Tax noted.

This response follows a statement from the Minister of Home Affairs, Hamad Masauni, who confirmed that arrests had been made in connection with the incident but did not disclose further details about the suspects or the next steps.

On the same day, David Misime, the Police Spokesperson, condemned the assault and urged the public to stop circulating the video. He emphasized that sharing such material is illegal and further humiliates the victim. Misime also called for anyone with information about the perpetrators to come forward, either by contacting the police directly or through a trusted leader.

Various organizations, including the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC) and the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), have denounced the attack and are calling for decisive government action to address the crime and prevent similar incidents in the future.