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Former Tanzanian Ambassador to Cuba, Humphrey Polepole, has described the police summons asking him to provide statements and evidence regarding allegations he raised online as carrying “both good intentions and hidden motives.”
Speaking via social media on September 18, Polepole said the request by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) shows a positive effort to gather evidence but questioned why authorities did not contact him directly instead of using public channels.
“Some people want me to go to the police, and once I arrive, I could be detained because there are no formal charges against me. You may be released and later disappear, and the police would not be involved,” he said, responding to concerns raised over the summons.
Polepole resigned from his post as Tanzania’s ambassador to Cuba on July 13, 2025, citing his inability to continue serving in a leadership system that, in his view, lacked adherence to constitutional principles, party rules, ethics, and accountability. Since then, he has publicly raised allegations against government institutions and individuals.
On August 5, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, through its Permanent Secretary, Balozi Samwel Shelukindo, confirmed receipt of a letter from the Prime Minister’s Office notifying that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had revoked Polepole’s ambassadorial appointment.
The police have confirmed that a case file has been opened to investigate the claims Polepole made online.
On September 15, they said the allegations may indicate criminal offences and, under the law, require evidence to be verified in court.
“The allegations have been made through social media. After opening the investigation file, the police have been gathering evidence and making efforts to locate him so he can provide statements or evidence to substantiate the claims and allow legal action to proceed according to the law,” a police statement said.
Police have requested that Polepole, who previously served as Secretary for Ideology, Propaganda, and Training at Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), appear at the DCI offices to provide testimony about the allegations he made publicly.
Polepole described the summons as an indication that the police recognized potential criminal elements in his allegations. “This is a positive sign, but it is one-sided. Ordinary citizens are skeptical, and this worries me. People keep sending messages urging me to continue speaking,” he said.
However, he claimed there were hidden motives behind the police search, suggesting that someone within the government may want to intimidate him. He questioned why authorities did not contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to obtain his phone number, noting he is easily reachable through calls or messages.
Polepole also alleged that after his resignation, armed individuals came to his home in Masaki, believing he was present. He said similar incidents had occurred twice before, with the police taking statements but no progress being made in investigations.
He urged authorities to communicate openly rather than attempting to locate him secretly. “If the police want to speak with me publicly, they should approach me directly, not in hiding. I am ready to provide statements and evidence in a transparent manner,” he said.
The ongoing situation highlights the tension between public figures raising allegations online and law enforcement agencies seeking to investigate potential criminal claims. Analysts say it underscores the importance of transparent communication between authorities and citizens, particularly in high-profile cases involving former government officials.
Polepole’s case remains under active investigation as police continue to gather evidence, with legal experts noting that his cooperation could be key in determining the veracity of the allegations he has made publicly.