THE Tanzania Police Force has dismissed on-going social media reports and claims lodged at police stations alleging that people are being kidnapped or disappearing under mysterious circumstances — often linked to individuals impersonating police officers.

According to a statement issued by Tanzania Police spokesman (DCP) David Misime , the Police have investigated several such reports and found that the claims were false, lacked supporting evidence, or had explanations unrelated to law enforcement.

He clarified that investigations into each missing persons report are conducted professionally to determine the truth, secure evidence, and identify suspects according to the law. 

He noted that legally, a person can only be declared dead after five years, and only through court proceedings backed by evidence.

“Police investigations have revealed that some of the alleged disappearances were actually due to issues such as conflicts in relationships, jealousy, belief in witchcraft, debts, revenge, or attempts to escape legal obligations,” he said.

He cited the example of Sheikh Zuberi Said Nkokoo from Mwanza, who was reported missing with large sums of money. After extensive police work, it was revealed that he faked his own disappearance to avoid repaying debts to various individuals.

He added: “Some people use such tactics thinking that by pretending to be kidnapped or hiding, they will escape their responsibilities.”

In other cases, those involved were not police officers but rather criminal elements. In one instance in Singida Region, an individual was arrested after falsely claiming to have been abducted, only to admit it was a hoax intended to avoid a conflict with his partner. Several suspects in such misleading incidents have been arrested and are awaiting trial.

Misime also condemned the behavior of some individuals who fabricate stories and publish them online without verification. “People post false information, photos, and names, alleging that certain individuals are missing. Such actions cause public panic, mistrust toward police, and harm to families and society,” he said.

He warned that spreading false information on social media is a criminal offense under the Cybercrimes Act, punishable by a fine of not less than five million shillings, imprisonment for a minimum of five years, or both.

He called on citizens to be responsible, avoid spreading misleading content, and instead provide accurate information that can help uncover the truth.