Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema), has claimed that its National Vice Chairman John Heche has been abducted under mysterious circumstances in Dodoma. The party’s Director of Communication, Brenda Rupia, stated that Heche was taken away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, by individuals who identified themselves as police officers.
According to Chadema, Heche was picked up from his home by officers from Mtumba Police Station, who claimed he had been summoned by the Regional Police Commander (RPC) of Dodoma. Witnesses, including his wife and the party’s central region secretary Ashura Maoud, said the vehicles sped away despite public demands for clarification.
However, when Heche’s family and party officials later visited the RPC’s office, they were informed that there were no official summons or records of Heche’s arrest. His current whereabouts remain unknown, sparking deep concern over his safety and well-being.
“We demand an immediate public explanation from Inspector General of Police Camilius Wambura and Director of Criminal Investigations Ramadhan Kingai regarding the whereabouts and safety of Hon. Heche,” Rupia said in a statement.
Chadema has condemned the incident as part of a wider campaign of intimidation targeting opposition figures under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration, especially following what the party terms a “controversial election” in which the president secured a 98 percent victory margin.
Heche’s latest ordeal follows a series of arrests and restrictions. He was first detained on October 22 in Dar es Salaam while attending a treason hearing for Chadema chairman Tundu Lissu. The party also reported that Heche had fallen ill in custody without receiving adequate medical attention.
The alleged abduction comes amid reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International accusing Tanzanian authorities of suppressing political dissent and using excessive force against protesters during post-election unrest.
Chadema has called on both national and international human rights bodies to intervene and ensure Heche’s immediate and safe release.
