The Police Force has opened an investigation into a social media post by Hilda Newton that alleged a government plot to assassinate opposition politician Tundu Lissu.
The post, published on April 10, 2026, circulated widely online and claimed, among other things, that there were plans to shoot Lissu. Police said they are now gathering evidence to verify the claims and determine their credibility.
As part of the investigation, Hilda Newton has been instructed to appear before the Office of the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at the Police Sub-Headquarters on Ohio Street in Dar es Salaam on April 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. She is required to present the evidence she publicly stated she has.
The police said the directive has been issued under Section 11(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act, as amended in 2023, which allows authorities to summon individuals to assist in investigations.
The move comes amid increased scrutiny of information shared on social media platforms, as authorities seek to address the spread of unverified claims that could affect public order and security.
