Tanzanian Police break silence on abductions, killings

Elizabeth Edward

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Police Force has broken its silence over a reported wave of abductions and killings, providing detailed clarification on several incidents that have triggered widespread public concern and speculation.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Police Spokesperson David Misime said investigations into numerous alleged abduction cases had uncovered a disturbing trend: many of the individuals reported missing had in fact orchestrated their own disappearances.

Mr Misime said the motives behind these self-staged vanishings varied widely and were often deeply personal.

Reasons cited included romantic jealousy, superstitious beliefs, property disputes, revenge, and attempts to evade justice after committing crimes.

In some cases, individuals were found to have travelled abroad to engage with radical ideologies.

According to him, comprehensive investigations into multiple reports of missing persons revealed that while some were later found alive and others confirmed dead, a significant number involved deliberate acts of deception.

“Investigations into several incidents are still ongoing to establish the underlying motives,” Mr Misime said.

High-profile cases under review

Mr Misime also highlighted several cases that had previously attracted national media attention or circulated widely on social media.

While some resulted in arrests and successful prosecutions, others remain under investigation.

A recurring element in many of these cases, he said, was deception—either by the individuals who disappeared or by people within their close circles.

However, the police statement notably omitted several high-profile incidents that have drawn public scrutiny, particularly those involving members of the opposition party, Chadema.

These include: a prominent Chadema activist, Mr Mpaluka Said Nyangali alias Mdude Nyagali, allegedly abducted by unidentified individuals; Mr Ali Kibao, who was found dead after reportedly being seized by unknown persons; and Mr Deusdedith Soka, who remains missing following his reported disappearance.

Mr Misime reiterated that all reported cases remain under active investigation.

In cases where suspects have yet to be identified, he urged the public and families of victims to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with investigators.

Police warn against misinformation

The Police Force also strongly warned against the spread of false information, particularly via social media platforms.

Citing Section 16 of the Cybercrimes Act No. 14 of 2015, Mr Misime cautioned that publishing misleading or unverified claims constitutes a criminal offence, punishable by a fine of not less than Sh5 million, a minimum of five years' imprisonment, or both.

“Citizens are encouraged to share accurate and verified information that contributes to uncovering the truth surrounding such incidents, rather than inciting fear through unfounded allegations,” the statement reads in part.

Mr Misime also clarified legal provisions regarding the declaration of a missing person as deceased.

He noted that under Section 117 of the Evidence Act (Cap. 6, 2022) and Section 161 of the Law of Marriage Act (Cap. 29, 2019), a court can only declare a missing person legally dead after five consecutive years of disappearance, and only with sufficient supporting evidence.

Summary of reported incidents

The police provided a detailed breakdown of major cases reported and investigated across the country over the past year:

Singida:

On June 2, 2025, a cleric affiliated with the Islamic Foundation, Sheikh Zuberi Said Nkokoo (53), was reported missing along with Sh42 million.

Police investigations revealed he had staged his own disappearance to avoid repaying debts amounting to Sh521 million.

Seven people were killed and mutilated in Singida by traditional healers as part of ritual killings.

Subsequently, three additional bodies were discovered in Chemba District, Dodoma Region, raising the death toll to 10.

Lindi

A petrol station attendant in Ruangwa District, Ms Ritha Ndambalilo (41), was found strangled and dumped near Chinese-owned stone quarries.

Police identified a motorcycle taxi rider, Juma Salum Nyenje, whom she frequently used, as the prime suspect.

Dar es Salaam

Ms Regina Chaula (62) was allegedly murdered by Fred and Bashiri Chaula in Kinondoni District, with whom she was involved in a land dispute. Her body was discovered in a septic tank in January 2025.

On August 19, 2024, Ms Ezania Kamana (36) was murdered and dismembered by her boyfriend, Abdallah Miraji Musa, who disposed of her remains in plastic bags in Ununio.

Mr John Mboge was reported abducted after visiting a bank in Goba. Seven suspects were arrested and charged in connection with the case.

In a case dating back to 2019, Mr Hamis Luongo (38) murdered his wife, Naomi Marijani (36), burned her remains in a chicken coop in Kigamboni area, and falsely claimed she had gone missing. He was convicted and sentenced to death by hanging.

Coast

On November 11, 2024, Mr Deogratius Tarimo was reported abducted in Kibaha. Social media users accused police officers of involvement.

However, investigations found the motive was a romantic rivalry, and six suspects were arraigned.

Arusha

On August 24, 2024, Saulo Samweli (44) falsely claimed he had been abducted for organ trafficking in Karatu.

It was later established that he had misappropriated Sh280,000 intended as a bride price and fabricated the story to avoid consequences.

Tanga

On August 23, 2024, three-year-old Elia Mchome was found murdered and buried inside a residential house in Handeni. Initial reports had claimed abduction.

On February 12, 2024, Buki Kizigina (52) was allegedly abducted over a drug trafficking dispute. He was later found alive, and suspects were charged.

Ruvuma

On July 31, 2024, businessmen Ray Hyera and Riziki Mohamed were reportedly abducted.

Police found they had been poisoned and robbed of Sh15 million by a traditional healer.

Mwanza

On July 3, 2024, two children aged 12 and 8 faked their own abduction in Ilemela and Nyamagana in Mwanza and demanded a Sh100,000 ransom from their parents using a mobile phone.

Kagera

On June 17, 2024, two half-year-old Noela Asimwe, a child with albinism, was murdered, mutilated, and her body dumped on a bridge in Bukoba District. Nine suspects, including her father, were arrested and charged.

On November 6, 2024, a resident of Bukoba, Mr Amri Abdulahan (21), faked his own kidnapping to extort Sh5 million from his father. He was convicted and handed a 12-month suspended sentence.

Mbeya

On May 15, 2024, a reported child abduction was revealed to have been staged in Ilomba by the child’s mother, Ms Agnes Mwalubuli, and an accomplice, Winfred Komba, in an attempt to extort Sh20 million from the child’s father. Three suspects were prosecuted, with two convictions secured.

Public urged to remain vigilant

The police called on members of the public to remain alert and work closely with law enforcement by providing credible information that could assist ongoing investigations.

Mr Misime underscored that public trust and community cooperation are essential in tackling the complex nature of these crimes.

He noted that although several suspects had been arrested and prosecuted, the Police Force remained committed to pursuing all unresolved cases—particularly where suspects are still at large.

Way forward

The Police Force assured the public that it will continue providing updates on the status of ongoing investigations, especially in cases that have attracted national attention.

Meanwhile, legal experts and human rights advocates have called for increased transparency and accountability in the handling of such cases, particularly when allegations of political interference or state complicity have been raised.

They welcomed the police’s latest communication as a positive step but stressed that it must be followed by concrete action, especially in politically sensitive investigations.

Public interest remains high as investigations continue, particularly in cases involving vulnerable groups such as women, children, and persons with albinism.

The coming weeks will be critical in restoring public trust, as the nation awaits clarity on unresolved and controversial incidents.