(MISA/IFEX) – The Tanzania police force has formed a six-person committee to investigate the beating of a journalist, a human rights activist and civilians by Ukonga prison guards in Dar es salaam on 10 September 2005. On 14 September, Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Adadi Rajabu told journalists in Dar es salaam that the committee […]
(MISA/IFEX) – The Tanzania police force has formed a six-person committee to investigate the beating of a journalist, a human rights activist and civilians by Ukonga prison guards in Dar es salaam on 10 September 2005.
On 14 September, Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Adadi Rajabu told journalists in Dar es salaam that the committee will conduct a thorough investigation and commence with possible prosecution of any wrongdoer.
The move, however, contradicts a 12 September statement by Home Affairs Minister Omar Ramadhan Mapuri who declared the warders’ conduct “lawful”.
“I am the DCI, this issue is criminal and must be investigated. The police must investigate all criminal matters,” Adadi insisted as the media pressured him to admit that the minister had erred in his earlier statement. The media asked why the DCI was investigating the matter when the home affairs minister had already declared it “legal”.
The DCI said the committee, chaired by Assistant Commissioner of Police Ubisi Mbali, has been given two weeks to complete the investigation. It comprises four senior police officers and two senior prison officers.
In another development, Dar es salaam Regional Commissioner Yusuf Makamba has labelled the incident illegal and a serious violation of human rights.
Makamba announced on 13 September that he had ordered the immediate arrest of all those involved and would likely institute charges against them.
