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Senior Member
- Jul 3, 2015
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The Government Spokesperson, who also serves as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts, and Sports, has addressed the issue of the disappearance or alleged abduction of several individuals, including prominent figures, during an interview with Azam TV. The matter has sparked widespread debate among citizens on social media.
During the interview, the host asked the Government Spokesperson to clarify the Government's position regarding reports of the disappearance or alleged abduction of former Tanzanian Ambassador to Cuba and Malawi, Humphrey Polepole.
Read: Humphrey Polepole adaiwa kutekwa usiku wa kuamkia leo Oktoba 6
In response, the Spokesperson stated that the Tanzania Police Force had previously issued a notice summoning Polepole to provide explanations regarding statements he had made on social media, which various media outlets also published. He explained that this was because the statements were serious and required verification by relevant authorities before they could take action, but Polepole did not comply.
He added that afterwards, reports emerged claiming that Polepole had gone missing. The Spokesperson clarified that it is inaccurate to say he was abducted without evidence, since such a claim requires proof—such as identifying who abducted him. Therefore, the official position is that he is missing, not that he was kidnapped. He further noted that the Police had already visited the area where he was reportedly last seen, collected information, and were continuing with investigations.
Read: Polisi: Tunamtafuta Augustino Polepole kutoa ushahidi juu ya shutuma za kutekwa Humphrey Polepole
The Spokesperson also remarked that election periods often bring dramatic incidents, explaining that in many cases, people reported missing later turn out to have gone into hiding for various reasons. He cited examples of similar cases in Tabora, Mwanza, and Mbeya regions.
He urged Tanzanians to rely on information from official state institutions rather than on rumours circulating on social media, emphasising that it is easy to create public panic and that it is therefore essential to verify facts before concluding.
The Spokesperson added that, as of now, the Government does not know the whereabouts of Humphrey Polepole. He noted that the Police have already issued statements on the matter. Since the Police are part of the Government, the Government Spokesperson doesn't need to issue a separate statement. He stressed that the Police should be allowed to continue with their investigation.
Read: Polisi: Bado tunasubiri Polepole aripoti Ofisi ya DCI; taarifa za kutekwa kwake tumeanza kufanyia kazi
In conclusion, he noted that reports of missing persons are not new in Tanzania; however, during election periods, tensions tend to rise, and people become more reactive. He urged the public to remain calm and to allow the Police to carry out their duties.
Reports of His Alleged Abduction
Humphrey Herson Polepole is a Tanzanian politician and diplomat who served as Ambassador to Cuba from 2023 until his resignation on July 13, 2025. He previously served as High Commissioner to Malawi (2022–2023), CCM Ideology and Publicity Secretary, Member of Parliament, and District Commissioner for Musoma and Ubungo.
Before he reported to the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on October 6, 2025, reports surfaced that he had been kidnapped/abducted by unknown individuals who allegedly broke into his home at night and took him to an undisclosed location. Photos from the scene reportedly showed broken doors and blood stains.
His brother, Augustino Polepole, announced the incident and said the family had reported it to the Police. Dar es Salaam Police Commander Jumanne Muliro confirmed investigations were underway, while Polepole's lawyer, Peter Kibatala, urged authorities to locate his client and update the public on his condition.
Read: Kaka yake Humphrey Polepole athibitisha kutekwa kwa ndugu yake (Polepole) na mtu anayefahamika kama Mafwele
Polepole’s Criticism of the Government and Ruling PartyDuring the interview, the host asked the Government Spokesperson to clarify the Government's position regarding reports of the disappearance or alleged abduction of former Tanzanian Ambassador to Cuba and Malawi, Humphrey Polepole.
Read: Humphrey Polepole adaiwa kutekwa usiku wa kuamkia leo Oktoba 6
In response, the Spokesperson stated that the Tanzania Police Force had previously issued a notice summoning Polepole to provide explanations regarding statements he had made on social media, which various media outlets also published. He explained that this was because the statements were serious and required verification by relevant authorities before they could take action, but Polepole did not comply.
He added that afterwards, reports emerged claiming that Polepole had gone missing. The Spokesperson clarified that it is inaccurate to say he was abducted without evidence, since such a claim requires proof—such as identifying who abducted him. Therefore, the official position is that he is missing, not that he was kidnapped. He further noted that the Police had already visited the area where he was reportedly last seen, collected information, and were continuing with investigations.
Read: Polisi: Tunamtafuta Augustino Polepole kutoa ushahidi juu ya shutuma za kutekwa Humphrey Polepole
The Spokesperson also remarked that election periods often bring dramatic incidents, explaining that in many cases, people reported missing later turn out to have gone into hiding for various reasons. He cited examples of similar cases in Tabora, Mwanza, and Mbeya regions.
He urged Tanzanians to rely on information from official state institutions rather than on rumours circulating on social media, emphasising that it is easy to create public panic and that it is therefore essential to verify facts before concluding.
The Spokesperson added that, as of now, the Government does not know the whereabouts of Humphrey Polepole. He noted that the Police have already issued statements on the matter. Since the Police are part of the Government, the Government Spokesperson doesn't need to issue a separate statement. He stressed that the Police should be allowed to continue with their investigation.
Read: Polisi: Bado tunasubiri Polepole aripoti Ofisi ya DCI; taarifa za kutekwa kwake tumeanza kufanyia kazi
In conclusion, he noted that reports of missing persons are not new in Tanzania; however, during election periods, tensions tend to rise, and people become more reactive. He urged the public to remain calm and to allow the Police to carry out their duties.
Reports of His Alleged Abduction
Humphrey Herson Polepole is a Tanzanian politician and diplomat who served as Ambassador to Cuba from 2023 until his resignation on July 13, 2025. He previously served as High Commissioner to Malawi (2022–2023), CCM Ideology and Publicity Secretary, Member of Parliament, and District Commissioner for Musoma and Ubungo.
Before he reported to the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on October 6, 2025, reports surfaced that he had been kidnapped/abducted by unknown individuals who allegedly broke into his home at night and took him to an undisclosed location. Photos from the scene reportedly showed broken doors and blood stains.
His brother, Augustino Polepole, announced the incident and said the family had reported it to the Police. Dar es Salaam Police Commander Jumanne Muliro confirmed investigations were underway, while Polepole's lawyer, Peter Kibatala, urged authorities to locate his client and update the public on his condition.
Read: Kaka yake Humphrey Polepole athibitisha kutekwa kwa ndugu yake (Polepole) na mtu anayefahamika kama Mafwele
After submitting his resignation letter, Humphrey Polepole began openly criticizing both the Government and the ruling party, CCM, questioning their performance and accountability. He accused the party of violating procedures in selecting its current presidential candidate. He claimed that the Government is controlled by a "Deep State" allegedly led by former President Jakaya Kikwete and businessman Rostam Aziz.
Polepole has repeatedly criticized Rostam's business dealings, describing them as manipulative and exploitative, involving the acquisition of public assets through improper means. He has also faulted the Sixth Phase Government, saying it serves its own interests rather than those of the people, citing ongoing public hardship, delayed projects, and widespread misuse of public funds.
Police Investigation Into Allegations by Humphrey Herson Polepole
On September 15, 2025, the Tanzania Police Force announced that it had opened an investigation file into various allegations made by Humphrey Herson Polepole since July 2025. According to the statement, Polepole had been making the claims on social media. The Police said they were gathering evidence and trying to locate him so he could provide statements and proof to support his allegations, as required by law.
Read: Polisi: Polepole afike Ofisi ya Mpelelezi wa Makosa ya Jinai ili kuthibitisha Tuhuma anazozitoa
Read: Polepole-Jeshi la Polisi hamjafanya juhudi zozote za kunitafuta| Mawasiliano yangu rasmi yanajulikana
However, on September 19, 2025, Polepole responded, saying the Police statement had "two sides." While he saw it as partly positive, he accused the Police of dishonesty, claiming they had not genuinely tried to find him. He said the Police couldn't fail to reach him since he was in contact with senior officers and his contact information was easily accessible through his former employer, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He further alleged that the Police had tried to reach him through intimidation, stating that officers went to his Masaki residence the day he announced his resignation as ambassador. He also claimed that on July 17, armed men surrounded his sister's home and later left with her.
In response, the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police said that the woman went to the Kawe Police Station and reported that she was kidnapped by unknown individuals, but was returned home the same day. The Police confirmed that they are continuing a thorough investigation into the incident. Polepole warned that if those individuals were unknown to the Police, it would raise serious concerns about the presence of rogue actors operating unlawfully.
Read: Polepole: Watu wameruka Nyumbani kwa Dada yangu Bahari Beach, wadai wamefuata taarifa
Polepole has repeatedly criticized Rostam's business dealings, describing them as manipulative and exploitative, involving the acquisition of public assets through improper means. He has also faulted the Sixth Phase Government, saying it serves its own interests rather than those of the people, citing ongoing public hardship, delayed projects, and widespread misuse of public funds.
Police Investigation Into Allegations by Humphrey Herson Polepole
On September 15, 2025, the Tanzania Police Force announced that it had opened an investigation file into various allegations made by Humphrey Herson Polepole since July 2025. According to the statement, Polepole had been making the claims on social media. The Police said they were gathering evidence and trying to locate him so he could provide statements and proof to support his allegations, as required by law.
Read: Polisi: Polepole afike Ofisi ya Mpelelezi wa Makosa ya Jinai ili kuthibitisha Tuhuma anazozitoa
Read: Polepole-Jeshi la Polisi hamjafanya juhudi zozote za kunitafuta| Mawasiliano yangu rasmi yanajulikana
However, on September 19, 2025, Polepole responded, saying the Police statement had "two sides." While he saw it as partly positive, he accused the Police of dishonesty, claiming they had not genuinely tried to find him. He said the Police couldn't fail to reach him since he was in contact with senior officers and his contact information was easily accessible through his former employer, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He further alleged that the Police had tried to reach him through intimidation, stating that officers went to his Masaki residence the day he announced his resignation as ambassador. He also claimed that on July 17, armed men surrounded his sister's home and later left with her.
In response, the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police said that the woman went to the Kawe Police Station and reported that she was kidnapped by unknown individuals, but was returned home the same day. The Police confirmed that they are continuing a thorough investigation into the incident. Polepole warned that if those individuals were unknown to the Police, it would raise serious concerns about the presence of rogue actors operating unlawfully.
Read: Polepole: Watu wameruka Nyumbani kwa Dada yangu Bahari Beach, wadai wamefuata taarifa
Read: Polisi: Tunachunguza sakata la Dada yake Polepole
