Keypoints:
- Family says ex-ambassador taken from home
- Police question details, launch investigation
- Polepole quit after criticising government
POLICE in Dar es Salaam have launched an investigation after the family of former Tanzanian ambassador and outspoken government critic, Humphrey Polepole, reported that he was abducted by unknown individuals early on Monday.
His brother, Godfrey Polepole, told the BBC that the incident occurred in the early hours at Humphrey’s residence in the city. When relatives arrived at the home, they found clear signs of a violent struggle.
‘We went to the house where he was living and found the door broken, electric wires cut, and a large amount of blood spilled,’ Godfrey said. Videos appearing to show bloodstains inside the house have since been widely shared on social media.
He said the family immediately reported the matter to police after discovering the scene.
Police question timeline but confirm probe
Dar es Salaam regional police commander Jumanne Muliro confirmed that officers were aware of the reports and were following up. However, he appeared to express doubt about some of the details surrounding the alleged abduction.
‘The former ambassador to Cuba often claimed to be out of the country,’ Muliro told the BBC. ‘So how could this happen at his home in Tanzania?’
He added that police were seeking to establish the facts: ‘In short, just as you are following this story, so am I also following it because we too want to know what’s really happening.’
National police spokesperson David Misime separately confirmed that officers had seen the reports online and were conducting investigations into the incident.
Political fallout over outspoken critic
Humphrey Polepole, once a senior member of Tanzania’s diplomatic corps, resigned earlier this year after publicly criticising the government of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He said at the time that he could no longer serve in an administration that, in his words, disrespected justice, the rule of law, and constitutional principles.
Shortly after his resignation, President Hassan formally revoked his appointment, stripping him of his diplomatic privileges.
The reported abduction has stirred public concern and debate across Tanzania, with many social media users demanding answers and urging authorities to provide clarity on the former ambassador’s whereabouts.
Authorities have not confirmed whether any suspects have been identified or whether Polepole’s location is known.
