The ACT Wazalendo Women’s Wing (Ngome ya Wanawake) has issued a strong statement condemning what it describes as an increasingly common practice by security agencies, particularly the Police Force, of arresting and detaining suspects without providing information on their whereabouts, notifying their families, or allowing access to legal counsel.
Addressing the issue, the National Chairperson of the ACT Wazalendo Women’s Wing, Ms Janet Joel Rithe, said the practice has reached alarming levels and constitutes a clear violation of Article 15(2) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, which requires law enforcement officers to immediately inform individuals of the reasons for their arrest.
She said the conduct also infringes fundamental human rights, including the right to information, the right to a fair hearing, and equality before the law.
Ms Rithe noted that the unconstitutional practice has created fear and uncertainty within communities, weakened public trust in security institutions, and raised serious concerns about the protection of civil liberties and personal safety.
She added that the practice causes far-reaching social, psychological and economic harm to detainees and their families.
In response, the ACT Wazalendo Women’s Wing has called on the Government and the Police Force to take immediate corrective measures, including ensuring that families and lawyers are promptly informed whenever a suspect is arrested or detained.
The organisation has also urged the authorities to provide refresher training for police officers and other security personnel on human rights, professional ethics and their constitutional responsibilities, with particular emphasis on compliance with Article 15(2).
The group further called for greater transparency and public accountability, urging the Police Force to communicate openly with citizens on detention procedures and the rights of arrested persons.
The Women’s Wing stressed that national security should never be used as a justification for violating human rights, insisting that law enforcement must be carried out in a manner that respects human dignity and the rights of all citizens.
It also urged citizens to remain vigilant, to closely monitor and report violations of rights, and to cooperate within constitutional frameworks to ensure that the law is applied fairly and equally.
The ACT Wazalendo Women’s Wing reaffirmed its commitment to continue standing firm and speaking with one voice to defend and protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens until such practices are completely ended.