Human rights activists say abduction incidents raise serious concerns about the accountability and transparency of the Tanzanian security apparatus. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
ACT Wazalendo, a leading Tanzanian political party, reported on December 1, 2024, that its Youth Wing Chairperson, Abdul Mohamed Nondo, was abducted early in the morning while traveling from Kigoma.
According to eyewitnesses, the abduction involved a scuffle that caused Nondo’s small bag to fall, with some of his personal belongings, including a notebook, later identified by party members.
Monalisa Ndala, the party’s Publicity Secretary in Dar es Salaam, and Wiston Mogha, the National Officer for Events and Activities, arrived at the scene and recognized Nondo's belongings, confirming his abduction.
This is not the first time Nondo has been targeted. Back in March 2018, he was kidnapped while a student and forcibly transported from Dar es Salaam to Mafinga. His latest abduction adds to a disturbing pattern of politically charged incidents in Tanzania.
The abduction came only weeks after the high-profile kidnapping of Deogratius Tarimo, commonly known as Deo Bonge, on November 11, 2024, in Kiluvya, Dar es Salaam. In that case, Bonge was forcibly taken by unidentified individuals who made him enter their vehicle, despite protests.
The Police Department responded on November 13, 2024, acknowledging that Bonge had filed a complaint at the Gogoni Police Station, located in the Ubungo District, though they claimed not to recognize the suspects involved.
The police vowed to apprehend those responsible. Yet, questions persist: Who are these individuals who dare to kidnap in broad daylight, even using handcuffs, if they aren’t law enforcement officers? And why did the abductors insist on taking Bonge to Gogoni, the name of a local police station, if they weren’t police?
These incidents raise serious concerns about the accountability and transparency of the Tanzanian security apparatus. With the increasing number of cases involving unknown forces seemingly impersonating law enforcement officers, many wonder whether the country’s police are losing control.
According to Tanzanian law, only three entities have the legal authority to arrest, search, and investigate: the police, the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), and the Immigration Department.
While recent amendments to the National Security Law have allowed security officers to arrest individuals, there are growing fears that this provision is being misused. Legal experts argue that such broad powers have created opportunities for criminal groups to exploit the loophole for personal gain.
Furthermore, the Tanzanian police themselves have come under fire for not adhering to legal procedures and protocols when it comes to arrests.
If law enforcement followed existing laws and regulations, the distinction between real police officers and criminals pretending to be them would be clear. The current lack of enforcement of these laws has only exacerbated the situation, enabling the spread of kidnappings and unlawful detentions.
Zitto Kabwe, the former leader of ACT Wazalendo, expressed his concerns over the abduction, revealing that the vehicle involved, a white Landcruiser with the registration number T 249 CMV, was reportedly owned by a man named Deogratius Beda Minja. Kabwe demanded that Nondo be released immediately, ensuring his health and well-being, while calling for swift action against those involved.
The police confirmed on December 1, 2024, that an individual had been abducted at the Magufuli Bus Stand in Mbezi Louis, Dar es Salaam. Witnesses claimed that the suspect was forcibly taken by individuals using a white Landcruiser, which had been seen earlier near the scene.
During the scuffle, Nondo’s bag fell, and some items, including his notebook, were later identified as his. Police spokesman David Misime stated that an investigation into the incident had been initiated.
The increasing frequency of abductions and the blurred lines between legitimate law enforcement and criminal groups have sparked outrage on social media. Tanzanians are questioning why such crimes continue unchecked, with many citizens criticizing the passivity of the public.
In one instance, witnesses at a bus station in Dar es Salaam remained silent as an individual was forcibly taken, reflecting a growing sense of helplessness among the public.
A similar incident occurred in September 2024, when another individual, Kibao, was forcibly removed from a bus traveling from Dar es Salaam to Tanga.
His body was later discovered in a decomposed state in the Ununio area, deepening the tragedy. While the police have yet to provide any details on the perpetrators, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has condemned foreign criticism of Tanzania, emphasizing that the country is sovereign and should be free from external interference in handling its internal affairs.
The growing trend of abductions, coupled with the apparent inability of authorities to take action, has raised alarms about the state of law and order in Tanzania.
Critics argue that the government must take swift measures to restore public confidence in the justice system and ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice. As the nation grapples with these challenges, many are left wondering what the future holds for Tanzania’s political and security landscape.