Tanzania’s opposition party Chadema has demanded immediate answers from police after its national Vice Chairman, John Heche, was arrested on Tuesday by officers from Mtumba Police Station and reportedly transferred to Dodoma.
The party says Heche’s family and colleagues have lost contact with him, raising serious safety concerns as police remain silent on his whereabouts.
According to a statement signed by Brenda Rupia, Chadema’s Director of Communications and Publicity, Heche was arrested on Tuesday morning by police officers from the Mtumba Police Station under unclear circumstances.
The statement revealed that police claimed he was needed by the Regional Police Commander (RPC) in Dodoma, prompting his transfer from Mtumba.
“The Deputy National Chairperson of Chadema, Hon. John Heche, was taken by police officers from Mtumba Police Station on claims that he was required by the Regional Police Commander (RPC) in Dodoma,” the party said in its public statement.
The incident reportedly unfolded in the presence of Heche’s wife and the party’s Central Zone Secretary, Ashura Masoud, who were accompanying him at the time.
When they attempted to follow the vehicles carrying Heche to find out where he was being taken, the police vehicles accelerated, leaving them behind.
“When they tried to follow to find out where he was being taken, the vehicles carrying him increased speed and left them behind,” the statement added, describing the situation as worrying and opaque.
Later, when Heche’s family and party members arrived in Dodoma, they were informed by the office of the Regional Police Commander that there was no official communication or record indicating that the RPC had requested Heche’s presence or custody.
“Later, when they arrived at the office of the RPC in Dodoma, they were told that the RPC had no information whatsoever about requiring Hon. Heche,” the statement read.
As of the time of the statement’s release, Heche’s location remains unknown, and both his family and the party have expressed deep concern for his well-being.
“As of now, his whereabouts are unknown, and his family and the party remain deeply worried about his safety and where he is,” Chadema stated.
In its communication, Chadema called upon Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camilus Wambura, Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Ramadhan Kingai, the Regional Police Commander (RPC) for Dodoma, and the Officer Commanding Mtumba Police Station to urgently provide public clarification regarding Heche’s detention and safety.
“We call upon the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camilus Wambura, Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Ramadhan Kingai, the Regional Police Commander (RPC), and the Officer in Charge of Mtumba Police Station to urgently issue a public statement regarding the whereabouts and safety of Hon. John Heche,” read the final section of the statement.
The opposition party emphasized that the handling of this case has raised serious questions about the rule of law, transparency, and respect for human rights in Tanzania, particularly in relation to the treatment of opposition leaders.
The statement concludes with a renewed call for accountability and public disclosure from the police command, urging that any legal procedures involving Heche be conducted openly and in accordance with the law.
It warns that continued silence from the police will only heighten public anxiety and damage confidence in law enforcement institutions.
