Pemba. Tensions are rising between the opposition ACT-Wazalendo and the ruling CCM following the unexplained deaths of two individuals in Pemba, allegedly at the hands of security forces.
The incident has ignited demands for a comprehensive government investigation into the matter, while the ruling party calls for restraint from opposition leaders to maintain the integrity of law enforcement.
The deceased individuals, identified as Othman Hamad Othman, 75, and Amour Salim Khamis, 28, were reportedly apprehended on drug trafficking allegations.
According to the Tanzania Police Force, the arrests occurred in South Pemba, and both men were subsequently hospitalized at Ali Khamis Camp Hospital in Chake Chake. They died while receiving medical care, leading to an ongoing inquiry into the circumstances of their deaths.
Although the precise cause of death remains unclear, police are actively collaborating with various authorities and witnesses to establish the facts.
ACT-Wazalendo has condemned this incident, issuing a statement demanding a thorough and independent investigation. The party also criticized certain agencies within the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government, alleging their involvement in these deaths.
The opposition claims that Othman and Khamis, along with a third individual, were detained during the night of December 23-24. Their bodies were returned to their families without any explanation, prompting the party to cite concerns reminiscent of a previous unresolved killing in Kidoti, North Unguja.
ACT-Wazalendo argues that these incidents raise serious concerns about public safety and the capacity of authorities to protect citizens in Zanzibar. The party is calling for decisive actions, including the dismissal of the Minister of State for the Office of the President for mismanagement of security agencies, which they accuse of being misused for violent purposes.
Moreover, they demand the establishment of an independent judicial commission to look into recent killings involving security forces and the public release of the investigation report concerning the Kidoti killings.
“ACT is calling for urgent action, including the Minister’s dismissal for failing to manage security forces properly. These agencies should not be used as tools of violence,” the statement asserts. “We urge police to ensure the safety of citizens and swiftly bring those responsible for these recent deaths to justice.”
In response, South Pemba Regional Police Commander Abdalla H. Mussa assured the public that the investigation is ongoing, reaffirming the police’s commitment to justice and transparency.
Meanwhile, CCM Secretary for Ideology, Propaganda, and Training in Zanzibar, Khamisi Mbeto Khamis, has criticized ACT-Wazalendo for interfering in police matters. He urged the opposition to refrain from statements that could disrupt law enforcement investigations.
Mr. Mbeto expressed disappointment at the opposition’s public comments concerning the deaths, dismissing their calls for the minister’s dismissal as unfounded and premature, stressing that such matters should be left to the appropriate authorities.
“As political leaders, we must trust law enforcement agencies to fulfill their duties. The police are responsible for ensuring public safety and investigating crimes, not politicians,” Mr. Mbeto stated.
He further emphasized that comments on sensitive issues should come from law enforcement representatives, such as the Regional Police Commander or the Zanzibar Police Commissioner, rather than political figures.
