MWE Correspondent
The Tanzania Police Force has moved to dispel rumours circulating online that a well-known businesswoman, popularly known as Niffer, had been kidnapped by unknown individuals in Dar es Salaam.
Authorities confirmed late Monday that the woman was, in fact, arrested by police officers conducting a lawful operation.
Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Jumanne Muliro told reporters that the arrest was executed by plainclothes officers at the woman’s shop in Sinza Kumekucha, a bustling commercial area in Tanzania’s largest city. He stressed that the operation was legitimate and supervised by law enforcement authorities.
“We want to make it clear to the public that the individual was not abducted. It was a police operation carried out according to the law,” Commander Muliro said.
His statement came after hours of widespread speculation on social media platforms, where users had shared alarming reports suggesting that Niffer had been taken by unknown people. The rumours sparked concern among residents and business owners, many of whom expressed fears over personal safety in Dar es Salaam — a city known for its vibrant economy but also occasional public-order incidents.
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Police officials did not immediately disclose the reason for Niffer’s arrest or whether formal charges had been filed. Commander Muliro, however, assured that the suspect’s rights would be respected and that due legal procedures were being followed.
The Sinza area, located in Dar es Salaam, is one of the city’s busiest neighbourhoods, home to hundreds of small businesses and traders. News of the arrest quickly spread across online platforms, illustrating the influence of social media in shaping public perception before official information is released.
Authorities have urged the public to verify information from credible sources and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports that could cause unnecessary panic. Analysts note that such incidents highlight the ongoing challenge of misinformation in the digital age — a global issue discussed widely in studies of media ethics and information accuracy.
As the case develops, the Tanzania Police Force has pledged to issue updates regarding the nature of the investigation and any upcoming court proceedings. Meanwhile, the business community and residents in Sinza have called for calm and patience as the legal process unfolds.
