The mother of missing former Tanzanian diplomat and government critic Humphrey Polepole has issued an emotional appeal to authorities, pleading for her son’s safe return.
“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,” said Annamary Polepole in an interview with the BBC.
Humphrey Polepole, a former ambassador to Cuba, was reportedly abducted from his home in Dar es Salaam early Monday morning. His family said they found the house door broken and blood at the scene.
Police have confirmed an investigation is underway, though Dar es Salaam’s police chief initially questioned whether the abduction took place, citing inconsistencies about Polepole’s whereabouts.
His mother said the incident, along with the reported abduction of her daughter in July, has left her heartbroken. “They are hurting people as if they were hurting buffaloes or elephants. It is very sad for our country,” she said, adding that such acts betray the values of Tanzania’s founding father, Julius Nyerere.
Polepole resigned as ambassador earlier this year after criticising President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government for undermining justice and the rule of law. His diplomatic status was later revoked. He had also publicly accused security agents of harassment and claimed his home had been raided twice with no progress in investigations.
Police have since summoned his brother, Augustino, to clarify comments made on social media alleging police involvement in the abduction.
Tanzania heads to the polls on 29 October amid rising political tension. President Samia, seeking a second and final term, faces growing criticism over shrinking civic space and alleged human rights abuses.
