Mwanza journalists worried about colleague’s mysterious disappearance

Mwanza. The Organisation of Journalists against Drug Abuse and Crime in Tanzania (Ojadact) has expressed concern about the mysterious disappearance of Mwananchi Communications Ltd (MCL) journalist Azory Gwanda.

The journalists urged security agencies to thoroughly investigate the matter.

Mr Gwanda was reported missing two weeks ago and MCL managing director Francis Nanai issued a statement on his disappearance from his station in Kibiti District on November 21.

Ojadact chairman Edwin Soko noted that his office received the news with great shock.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, December 6, he said it had taken long since Mr Gwanda was reported missing and his whereabouts not known.

He explained that it was clear that Mr Gwanda had been kidnapped by people, who had no good intention.

“Reports of Mr Gwanda’s whereabouts could have been revealed by those, who have held him because if they are good people and respect human rights, then they could have disclosed his whereabouts,” he noted.

Mr Soko called upon media owners and stakeholders to improve the security of journalists.

Mr Gwanda’s wife Anna Pinoni reported the missing of her husband at the local police station in Kibiti on November 23.

Ms Pinoni earlier informed MCL management that four men in a white Toyota Land Cruiser arrived at her farm, where she was working, while accompanied by her husband.

“My husband asked me through the window of the car, where I had kept the keys to our house, explaining that he would be away on an emergency trip and would be back shortly and it was the last time to see him,” she said.

Ms Halima Juma and Rose Magwe, who are reporters in Mwanza noted that Mr Gwanda’s disappearance was worrying especially to journalists for it raised concern about their safety.

Also read: MCL journalist reported missing in Kibiti