Dar es Salaam – A widow’s desperate struggle to save her family home from an alleged illegal eviction has prompted direct government intervention after distressing videos of the incident went viral on social media platforms.
Ms Alice Haule was filmed being forcibly removed from her property in the affluent Msasani area of Dar es Salaam by several men who claimed to be acting on behalf of someone who was only identified by a single name as Mohammed.
The footage, which has been widely shared across Instagram and other platforms, shows a chaotic scene where Ms Haule physically resists the men attempting to evict her and her tenants.
In one of the videos, a distressed Ms Haule explains that the family house, which she was renting out, “was invaded by people sent by a friend of my late husband, claiming that my deceased husband owed money.” The attempted eviction occurred despite an ongoing legal case concerning the property.
The incident prompted immediate action from the Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Dr Dorothy Gwajima, who detailed her intervention on her Instagram account. Dr Gwajima revealed that Ms Haule had contacted her directly for help.
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“The widow sent me an SMS, I called her, and I listened to her,” Dr Gwajima stated. The minister explained that Ms Haule had informed her that whilst her lawyer was handling the case and both the police and the District Commissioner of Kinondoni were aware of the matter, she had been subjected to “sudden invasion without notice and contrary to proper legal procedures.”
Dr Gwajima immediately coordinated with local authorities to address the situation. “I have contacted the Honourable District Commissioner of Kinondoni and the Regional Police Commander Kinondoni and requested them to take appropriate action so that the widow is first safe and at peace, then the legal matters continue according to the law,” she stated.
The minister’s intervention proved successful. In a follow-up at 9:11 PM the same day, Dr Gwajima confirmed that police had responded to the scene. “I spoke again with the widow, where she told me that it is true the Police went and those who were causing her trouble dispersed, and now the situation is calm,” she reported.
The case has highlighted concerns about the vulnerability of widows in property disputes and the importance of following proper legal procedures.
Dr Gwajima used the incident to issue a broader appeal for adherence to legal processes, stating: “Even if you have claims against each other, please follow proper legal procedures through this widow’s lawyer. Even in legal proceedings, please remember to have patience and humanity first.”
The incident has sparked widespread public sympathy for Ms Haule and calls for stronger protection of vulnerable citizens’ property rights. The case remains under police investigation, with authorities ensuring that proper legal procedures are followed whilst the widow’s safety is protected.
