High Court Petition Filed Over Alleged Abduction of Polepole

The mystery surrounding the alleged abduction of former Tanzanian Ambassador to Cuba, Humphrey Polepole, has taken a new turn after his legal team filed a constitutional petition at the High Court in Dar es Salaam, demanding that authorities reveal his whereabouts and ensure his safety.

The petition, submitted under a certificate of urgency on October 7, 2025, was lodged by prominent lawyer Advocate Peter Kibatala, on behalf of Mr. Polepole’s family. It seeks an order compelling state authorities to produce the former diplomat before the court and to explain the circumstances of his alleged disappearance.

The respondents named in the case include the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Attorney General (AG), the Head of Criminal Investigation for the Dar es Salaam Special Zone (ZCO), and the Regional Police Commander for the Dar es Salaam Special Zone (ZPC).

In the supporting affidavit, Advocate Kibatala claims that on the evening of October 6, 2025, unknown individuals believed to be police officers raided Mr. Polepole’s residence in Ununio, Kinondoni District, and took him away in an unmarked vehicle. Since that night, his family has reportedly not received any formal communication regarding his arrest or detention.

Kibatala told the court that his client has not been charged with any offence before a competent court and is believed to be held incommunicado at an undisclosed location. “His constitutional rights have been violated without any lawful justification,” he stated, emphasizing the need for urgent judicial intervention to determine Mr. Polepole’s condition and whereabouts.

The petitioners have requested the court to hear the matter ex parte—without the respondents present—due to the urgency and potential risk to the applicant’s welfare. Ultimately, they are asking that the court order authorities to either release Mr. Polepole immediately or charge him before a court of law, in accordance with due process.

Beyond the legal filings, the case has stirred deep public concern. Mr. Polepole, once a vocal supporter of the ruling party, has in recent years emerged as a critic of government policy. His sudden disappearance has sparked debate across social media, with activists and citizens calling for transparency and accountability.

The unfolding situation has also drawn attention to Tanzania’s broader human rights landscape. Legal experts and civil society organizations argue that the courts must act decisively to reaffirm the rule of law and protect citizens from unlawful detention. “This case is not only about one man,” said a Dar es Salaam-based lawyer. “It is about ensuring that no one—regardless of status—is taken away without explanation or justice.”

Observers see the High Court petition as a crucial test of institutional integrity and the country’s commitment to fundamental freedoms. If the court orders Mr. Polepole to be produced, it could set a precedent reinforcing citizens’ protection against arbitrary arrest—a cornerstone of habeas corpus principles recognized worldwide.