The Tanzania Police Force have announced an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Mbeshi Paulo, 30, the Chairperson of the main opposition party CHADEMA Youth Wing (BAVICHA) for the Geita Rural constituency, who was reportedly taken by individuals claiming to be police officers.
The incident was first reported by the national BAVICHA Chairperson, Advocate Deogratius Mahinyila, through his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Other CHADEMA leaders also shared the information.
According to their reports, on the evening of July 18, 2025, around 7:00 PM, in Luhala village, Kakubilo Ward in Geita District, Mbeshi was with a colleague on a motorcycle when three men emerged from a white vehicle and took him away.
The Geita Regional Police reported that they received information about Mbeshi’s disappearance on the morning of July 19, 2025, at around 11:00 AM from CHADEMA leaders in Geita District. However, police noted the report was delayed because the motorcycle rider and another individual who was with Mbeshi did not immediately notify authorities, preventing a quicker response.
“A thorough investigation into the incident began as soon as we received the report and is ongoing. The investigation involves cooperation from members of the public and other security agencies in order to determine the whereabouts of Mbeshi Paulo and the reasons behind his disappearance,” the police statement read.
READ MORE: Family of Missing CCM Cadre, Daniel Chonchori, Urges Authorities to Ensure His Safe Return
The Geita Regional Police have appealed to the public to provide any information that could assist in locating Mbeshi. They urged citizens to cooperate, citing a recent case involving another mysterious disappearance in Geita Region — that of gold miner Nestory Marcel on June 23, 2025. Marcel was later found murdered in Mwanza, and investigations revealed a land dispute with his family members as the likely motive.
This incident marks the second case of a BAVICHA leader disappearing under suspicious circumstances in the Lake Zone region. Earlier this year, on February 14, 2025, Aman Mohamed Manengelo (30), a resident of Misasi in Misungwi District, Mwanza Region and BAVICHA Secretary, was taken by four unidentified individuals from the home of his friend, Jovin Thomas — the BAVICHA Chairman for Misungwi. His whereabouts have remained unknown ever since.
