The mother of missing former Tanzanian diplomat Humphrey Polepole has made a heartbreaking plea for her son’s safe return, urging authorities to bring him back — dead or alive.
Annamary Polepole appealed emotionally for answers following the disappearance of her son, a fierce government critic and former ambassador to Cuba. “If he is alive, return him to me. If he is not, bring his body and let me bury my child myself; they should not go and throw him into the sea,” she said.
According to his family, Polepole was abducted from his home in Dar es Salaam in the early hours of Monday. His brother discovered the house door broken and blood on the floor, prompting an immediate report to police. Investigations have since been launched, though initial comments from local officials appeared to cast doubt on the incident.
Polepole’s disappearance comes just months after he resigned from his diplomatic position, publicly criticizing the government for undermining justice, the rule of law, and constitutional order. Following his statements, he was stripped of his diplomatic status by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
His mother expressed deep pain over the ordeal, revealing that her son’s kidnapping — along with the reported abduction of his sister in July — has caused immense suffering to the family. She described Humphrey as a determined and compassionate individual, who had always shown kindness and integrity. “Imagine seeing someone you raised from infancy, someone who had reached a stage where he could support the family, and now he is suddenly taken away. It is painful indeed,” she said.
Authorities have stated they are seeking Humphrey’s brother, Augustino, for clarification regarding claims made on social media that a police officer might have been involved in the abduction.
The incident comes amid growing political tension in Tanzania ahead of the October 29 general election. President Samia, who took over following the death of John Magufuli in 2021, is seeking a second and final term. Initially celebrated for expanding freedoms, her administration has since faced criticism for alleged repression and clampdowns on dissent.
Polepole had recently questioned the nomination process that secured Samia’s candidacy and accused government institutions of corruption and intimidation. He claimed armed individuals had been monitoring his home, but despite previous police reports, no action had been taken.
For his mother, the matter remains simple — she just wants her son back, whether alive or not.
