PROMINENT human rights lawyer Peter Kibatala files an urgent petition at the High Court, seeking answers over the mysterious disappearance of former ambassador and politician Humphrey Polepole.
In a dramatic legal move, Tanzanian lawyer Peter Kibatala has filed an urgent petition before the High Court of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam Subregistry, demanding that authorities either produce politician Humphrey Polepole in court or disclose his current whereabouts.
The application, filed on October 7, 2025, names several top officials as respondents including the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Regional Crime Officer for Dar es Salaam, and the Regional Police Commander.
In his affidavit, Kibatala claims that Polepole was abducted in the early hours of Monday, October 6, 2025, from his home in Ununio, Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam, by individuals believed to be police officers. Since then, he alleges, Polepole has neither been seen nor charged before any court of law.
Kibatala argues that the incident violates constitutional rights, particularly the right to personal liberty, and raises serious concerns about Polepole’s safety and health. He emphasizes that no formal charges have been brought against him, and therefore, his continued detention if confirmed would be unlawful.
Calling the matter “a constitutional and humanitarian emergency,” Kibatala urged the court to hear the application on an urgent basis, stressing that Polepole’s fundamental rights and well-being may be at risk.