In a startling revelation, Edgar Edson Mwakabela, widely known as Sativa, has made a bold public accusation, pointing an accusing finger at ACP Faustine Mafwele, a senior Tanzanian police officer, allegedly for being the mastermind behind his abduction and near-death experience.
Sativa claims that Mafwele orchestrated his kidnapping, which led him to be sent to Arusha and Katavi, where he narrowly survived a gunshot to the head. For the first time, the shadowy figure of Mafwele, known for his controversial career, has been openly named as responsible for these heinous acts.
Attempts to reach the police spokesperson to shed light on these allegations proved futile as his phone went unanswered. Mafwele’s number has yet to be accessed, but social media was awash with his alleged pictures and details this morning, sparking public outrage and discussions online.
For many, this isn’t just a story about a high-ranking police officer. It’s about the power dynamics that allow individuals like ACP Faustine Mafwele to wield influence and operate with impunity within the police force.
His career, filled with dangerous incidents and allegations of human rights abuses, has drawn significant public attention. Mwakabela's horrifying account is merely the latest in a series of accusations surrounding the officer’s actions.
Mafwele’s career has long been shrouded in controversy. Between 2011 and 2015, he served as the Officer in Charge of Criminal Investigations (OC-CID) in Arusha.
During the tumultuous demonstrations organized by the opposition party chadema in 2011, which resulted in the deaths of party members, Mafwele was in a key leadership role, according to former Ubungo mayor, Boniface Jacob.
It was a time when his reputation began to solidify, both as a capable officer in high-stakes situations and as a figure feared for his ruthlessness.
His involvement in risky operations was underscored in January 2012 when he survived a fierce gunfight with armed robbers in Arusha. While one of his colleagues lost his life in the battle, Mafwele was treated at Seriani Hospital and returned to duty, further establishing his image as a hard-nosed law enforcement officer.
Later, as Zonal Crime Officer (ZCO) in the volatile MKIRU (Mkuranga, Kibiti, Rufiji) Special Zone, areas known for persistent criminal activities, his notoriety only grew.
Mafwele’s rise in the police ranks came with a trail of alarming allegations. Public outcry has grown over time, with many accusing him of direct involvement in forced disappearances and killings.
Shockingly, it is claimed that 90% of unresolved disappearances or murders involve Mafwele in some capacity. Businessman Musa Mziba, along with individuals like Deo Mugasa and Adinani Hussein, have all disappeared under mysterious circumstances, with many pointing fingers at Mafwele.
Sativa’s own story adds another chilling layer. He recounts being kidnapped, shot in the head, and left for dead—all allegedly under Mafwele’s orders. Such incidents have pushed the public’s demand for accountability to new heights. The police force, a symbol of justice and security, now faces an internal crisis, as families and human rights activists cry out for answers.
The accusations against Mafwele are not new. During his tenure as Regional Crime Officer (RCO) in Mwanza in 2021, he was blamed for the death of James William Sije, with the victim’s family insisting that Mafwele was directly involved. These kinds of claims have dogged his career, creating a legacy intertwined with fear, violence, and unanswered questions, according to the former mayor’s X statement.
Despite the gravity of these allegations, Mafwele’s influence within the police force continues to grow. In April 2022, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Simon Sirro appointed him as the ZCO for Dar es Salaam, entrusting him with the critical task of suppressing violent gangs like the notorious “Panya Road” and curbing armed robberies.
But his history of alleged human rights violations casts a long shadow over his current role, raising questions about the police leadership's willingness to address the mounting accusations.
There’s a growing belief among the public that Mafwele’s deep involvement in sensitive police operations, possibly as a dual agent or Penetrating Officer (PE) for the National Intelligence Agency, has made him untouchable.
The fear surrounding his potential connections and knowledge of covert activities has stymied efforts to hold him accountable. Even government officials, it seems, are reluctant to confront him, fearing the consequences of doing so.
Calls for accountability are becoming impossible to ignore. Critics, including prominent opposition figures like chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe, are demanding action. Mbowe has been vocal, accusing Mafwele of involvement in the disappearances of several individuals, including Godwin Mlay, Deusdedith Soka, and Frank Mbise.
His statements have fueled public debate, heightening pressure on the Ministry of Home Affairs and police leadership to act swiftly and decisively.
Mafwele’s role within the police force goes beyond his official position. He is seen as a power broker, operating behind the scenes in ways that defy traditional oversight.
Rumors suggest he has assumed the role of an unofficial “chairman” of the Regional Crime Officers (RCOs), a move that circumvents the authority of the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI). His ability to command such influence without formal rank or authority has raised eyebrows within and outside the force.
The ongoing allegations and public dissatisfaction paint a bleak picture of the Tanzanian police force’s ability to police itself. Without concrete action, the risk remains that ACP Mafwele’s alleged abuses will go unchecked, perpetuating a cycle of fear and violence. As the public demands answers, the looming question is whether justice will ever be served for those who have suffered at his hands.
In a parallel story that echoes the themes of accountability and justice, Kenya’s Acting Inspector General of Police, Gilbert Masengeli, has been sentenced to six months in prison for contempt of court after failing to comply with eight separate court orders.
The judgment, delivered by High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi, has sent shockwaves through the region. Masengeli was allowed to avoid imprisonment by complying with court demands within seven days, but the ruling highlights the growing importance of enforcing the rule of law, even among the highest ranks of law enforcement.
The Kenyan case has resonated with many Tanzanians, drawing attention to their country’s struggle with law enforcement accountability. As Kenya’s Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki urges caution against spreading false information following the tragic deaths of 21 students at Hillside Endarasha School, Tanzanians are left questioning the integrity of their police force.
The mounting calls for justice and transparency in the case of ACP Faustine Mafwele are not just about one man. They reflect a broader issue of accountability in law enforcement, a topic that Tanzanian authorities can no longer afford to ignore.
Will justice prevail, or will powerful individuals like Mafwele continue to operate in the shadows, untouched by the system they are supposed to uphold? As former Ubungo Mayor Boniface Jacob stated on his X account, the people deserve answers, and they won’t stop until they get them.