JF Summary
Senior Member
- Jul 3, 2015
- 163
- 109
Former Minister, Godfrey Mwambe, Released on Bail; Accused of Plotting to Kill 'Police Chief'
The Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court in Dar es Salaam officially struck out Application No. 289778/2025 today, Monday, December 15, 2025. Former Minister Geoffrey Mwambe applied to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and the ZCO of Dar es Salaam. His lawyer, Hekima Mwasipu, requested the withdrawal after his client was granted bail, a request that the State did not oppose.Speaking to the media, Advocate Mwasipu stated that Mwambe faces two charges: social media incitement and plotting to kill an unnamed 'Police Chief.' Following his release on bail, they reported to the Police this morning as instructed, while investigations continue.
In a separate incident, Charles Hangaya, the bodyguard of CHADEMA Chairman Tundu Lissu, has also been released on bail. Police had held him since November 8, 2025, when he was reportedly abducted by individuals identifying themselves as police officers and taken to an unknown location.
Public Opinion:
Many citizens continue to condemn the manner in which the Police conduct arrests in the country, without following the law. There is also criticism of delays in granting bail for bailable offenses, with claims that the justice system has been politicized and that "justice" is accessible only to those aligned with the government in power. Additionally, citizens have begun mobilizing to find alternative ways to protect themselves against the Police, claiming they can no longer see the difference between the Police and criminals.
Police: UDOM Lecturer Under Investigation for Encouraging Banned Protests
The Regional Police Commander for Dodoma, ACP Gallus Hyera, has confirmed the arrest of a lecturer from the University of Dodoma (UDOM) on allegations of mobilizing illegal protests. According to the commander, the lecturer was arrested on December 9, 2025, while in class performing his teaching duties.Commander Hyera stated that after his arrest, the lecturer was interrogated and subsequently released to return to his regular duties while investigations into the allegations continue.
However, after news of the arrest spread, the Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, Adolf Mkenda, stated yesterday, December 15, that preliminary reports indicate the arrest was not related to protests but rather to his being "called for questioning regarding matters that occurred outside the university."
Mkenda emphasized that lecturers are free to teach in their classrooms as the government believes they will do so with professional integrity. He noted that if professional errors occur—such as making sensitive remarks regarding religion or party politics—the authority to handle such matters lies with the university administration through its leadership levels, as it is an administrative issue rather than a police matter, unless a criminal act is involved.
Furthermore, Mkenda stated that the government would not enter classrooms to listen to lectures for interference, as universities are not—and will not be—run in that manner. On December 12, 2025, the university issued a statement urging lecturers and other staff to be cautious in the classroom, suggesting that the incident indicates ongoing monitoring while investigations determine the appropriate steps to be taken.
Public Opinion:
The debate continues over freedom of expression and academic freedom within universities. Some argue that suppressing people's freedom of speech will undermine the education system and produce leaders and officials who prioritize protecting their own interests over social welfare.
Others warned that political interference in professional fields will weaken many sectors in the country, leading to weak institutions that threaten the economy and national development. Meanwhile, citizens have questioned who is telling the truth between the Minister of Education and the Police. They also asked how discussing protests could be considered a crime, given that it is a constitutional right, especially within an academic setting.
