Inspector
General of Police (IGP) Camilius Wambura. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
The police force plays a crucial
role in maintaining law and order, safeguarding citizens' rights, and ensuring
justice is upheld. Recently, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camilius Wambura
addressed concerns regarding allegations of abductions involving police
personnel.
He clarified that these
accusations primarily stem from breaches of the laws that govern the arrest of
suspects and the conduct of investigations. IGP Wambura highlighted that
non-compliance with the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) of 2022 and the Police
General Orders (PGO) contributes to public confusion, blurring the lines between
legitimate police activities and actions carried out by unidentified
individuals.
The law explicitly requires
suspects to be arrested per set protocols, yet instances of officers conducting
'ninja-style' arrests—where they do not identify themselves or state the
reasons for the arrest—are common. Furthermore, suspects are often held beyond
the 24-hour legal limit without being presented in court, with police sometimes
denying holding them when inquired by relatives.
A notable case involves Kombo
Mbwana, a member of the opposition party Chadema in Handeni, Tanga. He was
taken by unknown individuals and disappeared for 29 days, during which time the
police issued a missing person report. Eventually, the police admitted to
holding him, revealing significant gaps in procedure and transparency.
Such practices pose a
significant risk, as they could lead to public distrust and potential violence
against police officers, mistaken for criminal gangs engaging in abductions
under the guise of police authority. IGP Wambura has asserted that the police
force is not involved in abductions or the disappearance of individuals,
emphasizing their role in protecting law-abiding citizens and their property.
However, his statements suggest
a deeper issue, as demonstrated in the case of Kombo, where the arrest did not
adhere to legal standards, human rights, or professional ethics. Wambura's
mention of children being abducted for ransom reflects a different concern,
which does not address the issue of unexplained detentions or disappearances
allegedly involving police officers.
For the public to trust the
police force, it must operate transparently and within the bounds of the law.
This includes presenting suspects in court within 24 hours, as mandated by CPA
Section 32(1), and ensuring fair treatment per Tanzania's Constitution, Article
13(5)(b), which presumes innocence until proven guilty.
Other countries have
successfully reformed their police forces to enhance accountability and build
public trust. For example, in countries like Norway and New Zealand, the police
forces are known for their transparency, accountability, and community
engagement. In Norway, the police force operates under strict guidelines that
prioritize de-escalation and respect for human rights, leading to high levels
of public trust. Similarly, New Zealand's police have implemented community
policing strategies, fostering a partnership approach with citizens that
enhances both trust and effectiveness in crime prevention.
In Tanzania, recent critiques
from the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (THBUB) have
highlighted issues of police brutality, including the mistreatment of detainees
and denial of bail. The Justice Commission has also pointed out that the
presence of multiple law enforcement agencies with detention facilities can
contribute to the disappearance of detainees, complicating accountability.
For the Tanzanian police to
regain public trust, it is essential that they strictly adhere to legal
standards and ethical practices. The IGP's leadership must focus on ensuring
that arrests and detentions are conducted lawfully and that any unlawful
actions by officers are promptly addressed. This commitment to professionalism
and legal compliance will help distinguish the police from any criminal elements
and reassure the public of their integrity and dedication to justice.