Peter Charles (pictured) alleges police broke his leg. Photo: Courtesy
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.