This archive report was first published on 4 September 2021.
On September 3, 2021, a public meeting in Handeni district, Tanga, exposed disturbing allegations of police misconduct.
Women claimed they were raped and sexually harassed by police officers in nightclubs, with some even being framed and arrested.
Television footage showed women weeping as they recounted their ordeals, with one woman stating, "They force you to have sex with them and if you refuse, they will frame unnecessary reasons to arrest and keep you in the lock-up."
Another witness described the police actions as "brutal," saying, "They come at midnight with their guns and do whatever they want to the women."
Politicians demanded immediate action against the accused officers, with the women's wing of the main opposition party Chadema urging other women to speak out against gender-based violence.
Police have opened an investigation into the allegations, with spokesman David Misime stating, "We are gathering evidence and if we confirm that such claims are true, actions will be taken in accordance with the law. Nobody is above the law."
