The Tanzanian constitutional body for protecting human rights, the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG), has reported that some police stations in Tanzania are being used specifically to torture suspects during interrogations before transferring them to other police stations.
This was revealed, on July 19, 2024, in their performance report. From July 1, 2023, to May 30, 2024, the Commission handled 1,020 complaints and completed investigations into 230 complaints.
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One of the complaints highlighted by the Commission involved an incident reported by The Chanzo on December 20, 2023. The incident involved a resident of Makole ward in Dodoma, Kalamba Ramadhani Mnenge, 38, and the police at the Central Dodoma station.
In this incident, Kalamba described to The Chanzo how the police stripped him naked and beat him unconscious, alleging he had stolen from his neighbor.
“They took me to a house and stripped me naked,” Mnenge narrated. “They handcuffed my legs and arms again and left me hanging through a piece of iron bar. One of the officers was drinking water while occasionally pouring it on my naked buttocks.”
“They beat me heavily on different parts of my body,” Mnenge continued to narrate in a voice filled with bitterness. “They hit me on the chest, stomach and on my penis. They all hurt badly as we currently speak. They beat me until I became unconscious, and blood was dripping out of my nose, and then they took me outside to get some fresh air.”
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The Commission’s investigation confirmed that legal procedures were not followed during Kalamba’s arrest and detention, including denying him bail and subjecting him to cruel treatment through beatings and torture.
“Additionally, CHRAGG found that some police stations are specifically used to torture suspects during interrogations before transferring them to other police stations,” the Commission’s report reveals.
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The Commission also detailed another incident in Mbarali district, Mbeya, where a businessman was subjected to cruel treatment by the police. He was held without bail for over twenty days, enduring torture that resulted in various injuries, including a severe wound on his foot.
The report further explains that, despite these hardships, he was denied timely medical treatment. Article 13(6)(e) of the Tanzanian Constitution prohibits torture, stating, “no person shall be subjected to torture or inhuman or degrading punishment or treatment.”
In its report, the commission has made several recommendations. First, the Inspector General of Police should take disciplinary action against the police officers and personnel involved in acts of beating and torturing suspects, as identified.
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Secondly, the Inspector General of Police should install CCTV cameras in police stations, especially at all station counters (CROs), to monitor all activities involving detainees and citizens who visit these stations for various reasons.
Thirdly, the Inspector General of Police should ensure that officers receive regular training to perform their duties in accordance with laws, regulations, and procedures, including training on human rights and good governance, to build their competence in carrying out their responsibilities.
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According to Articles 129 and 130 of the Constitution, the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance is empowered to oversee all matters related to human rights and the principles of good governance in Tanzania, including the authority to investigate any matter that suggests or confirms the violation of human rights or principles of good governance in the country.
Currently, the Chairman of this Commission is Retired Judge Mathew Pauwa Mhina Mwaimu.
