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| In particular, Sativa's testimony has raised serious allegations against Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Faustine Mafwele. Photo: Courtesy |
By Adonis Byemelwa
The harrowing abduction and attempted murder of Edger Edson Mwakabela, known as Sativa, has left the nation in shock, igniting widespread demands for justice and accountability. The young man’s story, though one of incredible survival, also highlights a disturbing reality: the unsettling rise of kidnappings, assaults, and the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminal activity in Tanzania.
On June 23, 2024, Sativa was abducted, only to be found four days later in the dense forests of Katavi National Park, critically wounded by a gunshot to his head. His rescue, though miraculous, revealed not just his physical suffering but the immense emotional and psychological trauma inflicted upon him. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, acknowledging the severity of the case, stepped in by contributing Tsh 30 million towards his treatment.
Having made a remarkable recovery, Sativa now stands as a key witness to the events surrounding his abduction. In an interview conducted from his hospital bed with the Kiswahili newspaper, Nipashe, in Katavi, he recounted how he was held in an Oysterbay Police Station workshop before being transported to Arusha and eventually Katavi. His memories of that night are disturbingly vivid, shedding light on what appears to be an organized operation with ties to police officials.
In particular, Sativa's testimony has raised serious allegations against Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Faustine Mafwele. He identified Mafwele from a circulated photograph as the officer who, on the night of June 23, interrogated him briefly outside the police station before conversing with his captors.
Sativa recalled three questions asked by the officer: his name, occupation, and whether he knew why he had been brought there. After this brief exchange, Mafwele reportedly engaged in a private conversation with the abductors before they embarked on a journey that would lead to Katavi—a trip that ended in an attempted assassination.
Despite these serious allegations, Sativa has yet to be re-interviewed by the police, a fact that has only fueled speculation. According to sources close to him, including former Ubungo Mayor Boniface Jacob, Sativa was ready for further questioning by August, having fully recovered from his injuries. However, the police response has been noncommittal, with one officer from the Office of the Director of Criminal Investigations, identified only as James, informing Sativa that they would contact him “when they had time.”
Jacob and others close to the case are now calling for a transparent investigation, voicing their frustrations over the lack of progress. "It’s appalling that even with such concrete evidence, including call records placing Sativa at the Oysterbay station on the night of the abduction, the police have been slow to act," Jacob said. Records from Sativa’s phone show that his mobile remained active during his captivity, with signals tracing his location to the police station and corroborating his account.
Jacob insists that this is not an isolated case, citing the mysterious disappearances of several other individuals, including Chadema members Godwin Mlay, Deusdedith Soka, and Frank Mbise, whose whereabouts remain unknown. The images of Mafwele circulating on social media have further intensified suspicions, as many believe law enforcement figures are involved in these criminal operations.
"What we’re dealing with here is not just a crime—it’s an entire system that has become complicit in terrorizing its citizens," Jacob remarked. He added that there are growing concerns among Tanzanians that the police, the very institution tasked with protecting them, may be deeply entangled in these heinous activities.
Sativa, having faced unimaginable horror, is now determined to shed light on the shadowy network behind his ordeal. "He’s the only person who has survived such an ordeal," Jacob noted. "He knows who gave the orders, who carried them out, and how they did it." Calls are mounting for a formal identification lineup, where Sativa can officially point out Mafwele as his captor.
In the face of these damning revelations, Jacob has urged President Samia Suluhu Hassan to take swift action. He pointed out that while the president has called for reports on these incidents, relying on the police force to investigate its members may not yield meaningful results. “It’s crucial to recognize that the same people responsible for these atrocities are the ones being asked to investigate them,” Jacob emphasized.
The former mayor has also called for the immediate questioning of both Sativa and ACP Mafwele, stressing that any delays will only exacerbate public distrust in the justice system. "We need an independent judicial commission, free from police influence, to uncover the truth," Jacob said. He believes this is the only way to address the mounting allegations of abductions and extrajudicial killings that have shaken Tanzania to its core.
The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. As Jacob and other advocates push for transparency and accountability, they are acutely aware of the stakes. "Sativa is a rare survivor," Jacob said. "We owe it to him and the countless others who have not been as fortunate to get to the bottom of this."
With each passing day, the nation watches and waits, hoping that justice will prevail and that those responsible for these unspeakable crimes will finally be brought to account. The situation remains tense, but there is a growing call for change, driven by the courage of one young man and the unwavering resolve of those determined to see the truth come to light.