The Tanzania Police Force has launched an investigation into a viral video circulating on social media that depicts two men attempting to apprehend a businessman by force and push him into a vehicle in Kiluvya, Dar es Salaam.
The incident, which has raised public concern, was confirmed by police on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.
The police statement identified the man in the video as Deogratius Tarimo, a businessman and resident of Kibaha, Pwani Region. According to the police report, Tarimo personally filed a report at the Gogoni Police Station in Dar es Salaam on November 11, 2024, following the incident. The video has since sparked widespread debate and speculation on social media, with viewers questioning the circumstances and identities of the individuals involved.
“The Tanzania Police Force is investigating the viral footage showing individuals attempting to detain and forcibly place Deogratius Tarimo, a businessman, into a vehicle. Tarimo, a resident of Kibaha, reported the incident himself,” read the official police statement.
The video, which has been widely shared across platforms, shows a chaotic scene in which two men struggle to subdue Tarimo while attempting to drag him toward a waiting car. Bystanders can be heard shouting, and the tense scene has left viewers and community members alarmed. The police have not yet clarified whether the individuals involved are associated with law enforcement or if the incident was related to any official business activities.
Authorities have appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified details surrounding the incident while the investigation is ongoing. The police have assured the public that a thorough inquiry is underway to determine the motive behind the attempted detention and to identify all parties involved.
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The Tanzania Police Force emphasized its commitment to public safety and upholding citizens’ rights. “The police are working to establish all facts surrounding the incident, including any violations of due process and the legality of the actions captured in the video,” stated a police representative.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about security and the importance of lawful conduct, especially in cases involving forced detentions. The public eagerly awaits further updates from the authorities, hoping for clarity and reassurance regarding the circumstances that led to the alarming events captured in the video.