Critics have expressed surprise at the swiftness of the investigation, contrasting it with other recent unsolved cases. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam — The Tanzanian Police Force has launched an investigation into a widely circulated social media video showing two men attempting to forcibly detain and push a young businessman, identified as Deogratius Tarimo, into a car in Kiluvya, Dar es Salaam.
In a statement released Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Police said that the man seen being forced into the car was Tarimo, a resident of Kibaha, Pwani Region.
The incident was reported to Gogoni Police Station on November 11, 2024, by Tarimo himself. Police spokesperson David Misime revealed that Tarimo had gone to the Rovenpic Hotel for a business meeting arranged with the individuals on October 25, 2024.
CCTV footage has since emerged, showing Tarimo being seized by three men outside the hotel, raising concerns about the extent and intentions behind such public abductions.
In the 49-second clip, which went viral on social media on November 12, 2024, Tarimo is seen resisting and calling for help, shouting, “I’m going to be killed... help me!” while one of his captors allegedly claims to be a police officer.
Police have vowed to track down those involved, stating that no one is above the law. This response has left many citizens divided on social media, where heated debates have unfolded.
Some expressed surprise at the swiftness of the investigation, contrasting it with other recent unsolved cases, like the brutal daytime abduction and killing of businessman Ali Kibao, which remains unsolved.
The police response to Kibao’s case is a source of public frustration, as no arrests have been made despite numerous leads.
Abductions, particularly targeting businesspeople and public figures, have increasingly worried Tanzanians in recent years.
High-profile kidnappings, including the 2018 abduction of billionaire Mohammed Dewji, highlight a trend that has raised serious questions about public safety. Dewji was held for nine days before his release, reportedly after a substantial ransom payment.
Many abductions follow a disturbing pattern of staged arrests or targeted kidnappings in public spaces, eroding public confidence in security. While police regularly assert their commitment to pursuing such cases, unresolved cases—such as the killing of Kibao—continue to cast doubt on the effectiveness of these investigations.
Analysts point out that unchecked abductions may stem from organized criminal elements seeking ransoms or silencing influential voices, underscoring the urgent need for intensified security measures and accountability from law enforcement agencies in Tanzania.
