Investigation into two men deaths in police custody reaches final stages

ZANZIBAR: POLICE in Pemba have announced the conclusion of their investigation into the deaths of two men, Athuman Hamad Athuman (75) and Amour Khamis Salim (28), who allegedly died in police custody last month.

The case file will now be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal action.

The two men were reportedly arrested by officers from the Zanzibar Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (ZDCEA) at their home.

Allegations of excessive force and subsequent burial without family consent have sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Abdulla Hussein Mussa, Regional Police Commissioner (RPC) for South Pemba region told the ‘Daily News’ that the investigation is on the final stages and that soon the suspect will be arraigned.

“We are almost done and soon the case file will be handed to the DPP for prosecution procedures.” Last month, it was reported that Athuman Hamad Athuman, 75, and Amour Khamis Salim, 28, passed away in the hands of security officers from the Zanzibar Drug Control and Enforcement Authority (ZDCEA) who had arrested them from their home.

ALSO READ: Court upholds dismissal of Ex-MSD Acting Director

It was alleged that the deceased were beaten to death before being buried without the involvement or consent of their grieving families, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for justice.

In response, the police in Pemba have formed a special investigative team, while First Vice-President Othman Masoud Othman has vowed that justice will be served.

Moreover, the Tanzania Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) has launched its own investigation into the deaths of the two individuals.

Commissioner Khatib Mwinyichande has expressed deep concern over the incidents, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to thoroughly addressing the matter.

The Commission has resolved to investigate the deaths of the individuals, insisting that any act of deliberate killing is a severe violation of human rights, as protected under Article 14 of the 1977 Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania and Article 13(2) of the 1984 Constitution of Zanzibar,” he said.

He strongly condemned the incidents, asserting that such actions undermine the efforts of both the government to promote peace, security and the rule of law in the country.

Commissioner Mwinyichande highlighted that these killings occurred amid ongoing investigations by the Commission into similar cases, such as the Kidoti murders in North Unguja and other incidents on the mainland.

He said: “These acts constitute crimes against humanity and violate constitutional protections, including the right to liberty and dignity under Article 15(1)(2) of the 1977 Constitution of Tanzania.”

The Commissioner called on citizens and communities to cooperate with CHRAGG and other investigative bodies to uncover the truth and ensure that justice is served.