Resigned Tanzania ambassador and government critic abducted - family

DAR ES SALAAM,  Tanzania 

The former Tanzanian ambassador to Malawi and then Cuba who resigned recently and became government critic, Humphrey Polepole has been abducted by unknown individuals in Dar es Salaam city, his family says.

His brother, Godfrey Polepole alleged abduction had occurred in the early hours of Monday, at his home.

"We went to the house where he was living and found the door broken, fence electric wires cut, and a large amount of blood stains on the floor." said Godfrey the younger brother of the former ambassador. 

Videos of the bloody incident have been shared online.

He said the family had reported the matter to police force after visiting the residence. 

Dar es Salaam's police chief Jumanne Muliro has said they are following up on the reported incident.

The police spokesperson David Misime has issued a statement confirming that they had seen the reports online and were investigating.

He said they were still expecting Polepole to respond to summons and record a statement about a series of allegations he made since he resigned in July this year.

Polepole resigned from his ambassadorial post earlier this year after publicly criticising the government.

He claimed he could no longer be part of an administration that, in his view, disrespects justice, the rule of law, and constitutional principles.

He was later formally stripped of his diplomatic status after President Samia Hassan revoked his appointment.

He has since made various online allegations against government institutions and officials.

He also alleged that after his resignation, armed individuals had been seen loitering near his home and had harassed his family. He claimed his residence had been raided twice, with statements taken but no progress made in investigations.

Last month, the police opened a file against him, stating that the allegations could amount to criminal offences, without specifying what they were. He was also directed to report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to assist with investigations.

Tanzania is due to hold general elections on 29 October amid a tense environment.

In recent months, cases of abductions mostly targeting anti-government critics and opposition voices have also been on the rise.