The ACT-Wazalendo party has reported that its Women’s Wing Chairperson, Janeth Joel Rithe, continues to be held by the police for the third consecutive day without being granted bail, despite the efforts of the party’s legal team.
According to the party, lawyers who visited the Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam, June 21, 2025, were told that their attempts to secure her release on bail were unsuccessful because she was still needed for further questioning.
News of Rithe’s arrest was first shared on June 20, 2025, by ACT Wazalendo spokesperson Shangwe Ayo, who stated that police officers came to the party’s headquarters seeking Rithe. They reportedly said they were acting on orders from the Dar es Salaam Zonal Crime Officer (ZCO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Faustine Mafwele.
According to Ayo, Rithe turned herself in at the Central Police Station, where she was reportedly questioned over a speech she gave during a public rally held by ACT Wazalendo on June 18, 2025, in the Manzese area of Dar es Salaam.
“ACT Wazalendo is deeply concerned by this action, which violates both legal and human rights. Our laws do not allow a suspect to be held for more than 24 hours without being granted bail or brought before a court,” the party stated.
In response to Rithe’s detention, the CHADEMA Women’s Wing (BAWACHA), through its Chairperson Sharifa Suleiman, strongly condemned the continued detention of the ACT-Wazalendo Women’s Wing leader. BAWACHA called on the police to provide a detailed explanation for holding Rithe without granting her bail, as required by law.
As of now, the police have not issued an official statement regarding the continued detention of Rithe. Efforts are ongoing to contact the Dar es Salaam Zonal Police Commander, Jumanne Muliro, for comment.
