This archive report was first published on 28 August 2019.
On August 28, 2019, protests erupted outside the South African Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, following the seizure of an Air Tanzania plane in Johannesburg. The plane was seized by the South African Government over a $33-million compensation claim linked to the nationalization of land belonging to Hermanus Steyn, a retired farmer, in the 1980s.
According to reports, the Tanzanian government nationalized a massive bean and seed farm owned by Steyn, seizing equipment, 250 cars, and 12 small planes. Steyn was awarded $33 million in the 1990s, but the government only paid $20 million, leaving an outstanding balance of $16 million that has accrued interest over the decades.
Steyn's lawyer, Roger Wakefield, stated that the only way the aircraft can be released is if the Tanzanian Government pays the debt or puts up security for the claim. The seized Airbus jet is reportedly valued at around $90 million.
Three people were arrested on Wednesday for leading the demonstrations, which is against the country's laws. The police commander in Dar es Salaam, Lazaro Mambosasa, stated that the police will not allow any demonstrations, and those who want to protest can write or send representatives.
