Tanzania opposition party CHADEMA demands answers over disappearance of Vice Chairman John Heche
Heche’s disappearance marks the latest in a series of arrests that have drawn condemnation from human rights groups and opposition figures across the region.
Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), has raised alarm over the whereabouts of its National Vice Chairman, John Heche, who was allegedly taken away by police officers under unclear circumstances.
In a statement, the party said Heche was picked up by officers from Mtumba Police Station on Tuesday, on the grounds that he was being summoned by the Regional Police Commander (RPC) of Dodoma.
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According to the statement signed by the party’s Director of Communication and Publicity, Brenda Rupia, the incident occurred in the presence of Heche’s wife and the party’s Central Zone Secretary, Ashura Masoud.
“When they tried to follow them to find out where he was being taken, the vehicles carrying him sped off, leaving them behind,” reads the statement.
Rupia said when they arrived at the office of the Dodoma RPC, they were informed that the commander had no knowledge of any summons for Heche.
“As of now, his whereabouts remain unknown, and his family and the Party are deeply concerned about his safety and current location,” she added.
CHADEMA has now demanded an immediate public explanation from Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camilius Wambura, the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Ramadhan Kingai, the Regional Police Commander (RPC) and the Officer Commanding Mtumba Police Station.
Heche’s disappearance marks the latest in a series of arrests that have drawn condemnation from human rights groups and opposition figures across the region.
He was first detained on October 18 while attempting to travel to Kenya for the burial of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Four days later, police arrested him again outside the High Court in Dar es Salaam, where he had gone to attend the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Reports later indicated that Heche was transferred to Tarime, a northern town over 1,300 kilometres from Dodoma.
Last month, CHADEMA expressed concern that Heche had fallen seriously ill while in police custody, alleging that he was being held for three days without food and suffering from severe heart pain, fever and body weakness.
“Mr Heche has not eaten for three days and is experiencing severe heart pain, body aches and high fever. He is unable to stand,” Rupia said in a statement.
The party urged the police to act humanely and ensure that Heche received urgent medical treatment.
“We urge the Police Service to take immediate and humane action by taking him to the hospital for proper medical care. A person’s health and life must be treated with utmost seriousness, especially when they are in the custody of law enforcement agencies,” CHADEMA said.
Heche’s case has amplified regional concern over what observers describe as an escalating clampdown on opposition leaders ahead of the upcoming general election.
The Platform for African Democrats (PAD), a coalition of more than 40 political leaders, activists and academics across Africa, condemned the detention of Heche and Lissu, describing it as a politically motivated effort to silence dissent.
“We call on authorities to demonstrate publicly that Heche is being treated humanely, with respect and dignity. We further call on authorities to present whatever charges they may have against Heche in accordance with Tanzanian and international law and to allow access to him by his family and legal counsel. Failing to do so, we call for his immediate, unconditional release,” the group said.
PAD also criticised Lissu’s ongoing treason trial, describing the case as a politically charged attempt to suppress opposition.
“Tundu Lissu was arrested on April 9, 2025, and has been imprisoned since April 10, facing grave charges of treason and publishing false information, charges that are widely regarded as politically motivated,” PAD said.
“These accusations not only threaten his life under the death penalty provision but also represent a dangerous weaponisation of the law to silence legitimate dissent.”
The group urged Tanzanian authorities to uphold the rule of law and adhere to international human rights standards, referencing the UN Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under Any Form of Detention and the Nelson Mandela Rules.
PAD further called on the High Court to ensure justice in Lissu’s trial, warning that “the spurious evidence being presented by state prosecutors does not withstand judicial scrutiny.”
“If not objectively considered and decided, this trial will make a mockery of Tanzanian rule of law before the eyes of the world,” the coalition said.
PAD also urged the African Union (AU), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the East African Community (EAC) to hold Tanzania accountable for what it described as a deliberate campaign to suppress opposition voices.
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