A police commander in Dodoma, Tanzania, has been reassigned following her controversial remarks linking an alleged gang-rape victim to sex work. This incident arose after a harrowing video surfaced, showing a young woman allegedly assaulted by five men, triggering widespread outrage across the nation.
In her statements, the commander suggested that the “woman in question appeared to be engaged in sex work,” sparking immediate backlash for seemingly trivializing the victim’s trauma. In response to the growing public dissent, Tanzania’s national police force issued an apology, confirming the commander’s transfer.
National police spokesperson David Misime addressed the situation, expressing regret for the distress caused by the comments. He noted that even if the woman were involved in sex work, it would not justify the violence she endured. These clarifying remarks did not appear in the initial media reporting.
Legal experts and women’s rights activists reacted strongly. Lawyer Peter Madeleka highlighted the concerns over police conduct towards women’s rights, while activist Fatma Karume underscored the gravity of the issue, questioning societal attitudes towards rapes involving sex workers.
Witnesses in the shocking footage suggest that the assailants interrogated the victim, compelling her to apologize to a figure referred to as “afande,” a term commonly associated with military or police personnel. This reference led to further outrage, with many fearing that the sexual assault may have been perpetrated with the complicity of security forces.
In an effort to clarify the case, Ms. Mallya stated that the suspects were not acting under any official directive but were instead influenced by substances. Despite this assertion, tensions remain high as the suspects are scheduled to face court proceedings.
As the investigation continues, the incident not only highlights issues of gender-based violence and police accountability in Tanzania but also raises critical questions about societal attitudes toward victims of such crimes.
