The notice, issued on September 12, 2024, and received by authorities on September 19, demands redress for physical injuries, and psychological distress. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Lawyers representing Edgar Edson Mwakabela, also known as Sativa, are demanding that Tanzanian authorities pay their client Sh5 billion in damages for personal injuries and the inhumane treatment he endured, which has drawn significant public attention and scrutiny on law enforcement practices.
Attorneys Jebra Kambole and Tito Magoti issued a 90-day statutory notice to the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney General, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, warning that they will initiate legal proceedings if the requested compensation is not paid within the specified period.
The notice, seen by The Respondent online, outlines Mr. Mwakabela's harrowing experience after his abduction on June 23, 2024, in Dar es Salaam. He was reportedly subjected to severe torture while in police custody and later abandoned in Katavi National Park on June 27. The document details that he faced "egregious acts of torture and inhuman treatment," including unlawful arrest and transportation while handcuffed and blindfolded.
After being taken to Oysterbay Police Station, Mr. Mwakabela was transferred to another station in Arusha, over 360 miles from Dar es Salaam, where he was interrogated and tortured for five hours by unidentified men who demanded information about his involvement in a traders' boycott in Kariakoo.
Following his ordeal, he was taken to Katavi National Park, where he sustained severe gunshot wounds before being abandoned. To date, no arrests have been made in connection with his case.
The notice, issued on September 12, 2024, and received by authorities on September 19, demands redress for physical injuries, psychological distress, lost opportunities due to unlawful detention, medical expenses, and the inconveniences suffered by Mr. Mwakabela and his family.
Despite ongoing concerns about forced disappearances and abductions in Tanzania, police have denied involvement, asserting that investigations into reported incidents are in progress. Critics, however, have accused the police of failing to ensure transparency and accountability, questioning how they can investigate claims in which they are implicated.
Mr. Mwakabela has accused police officers of directly participating in his abduction and torture, claiming he can identify them. He has publicly stated, “Even if I disappear tomorrow, the culprit will be the police,” and emphasized his survival despite attempts on his life.
Lawyer Tito Magoti stated that seeking accountability is essential, emphasizing that their actions, including the demand letter, aim to address and ultimately end the pattern of extrajudicial practices in Tanzania. “These practices are unacceptable, and we feel it is our duty as lawyers, human rights activists, and citizens to uphold the rule of law,” he asserted.
Magoti further highlighted the broader implications of Mwakabela's case, calling it a wake-up call for society to confront issues of police brutality and human rights violations. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and advocate for justice, stressing that true democracy can only thrive in an environment where the rule of law prevails and where all individuals are protected from abuse.
The lawyers hope that their efforts will not only secure justice for Mwakabela but also catalyze a movement to reform law enforcement practices in Tanzania. With growing public awareness and support, the demand for accountability will become increasingly difficult for authorities to ignore, paving the way for a safer and more just society for all. Mwakabela's ordeal, they believe, should serve as a rallying point for collective action against impunity, fostering a culture of respect for human rights throughout the nation.