The recent removal of a police commander in Tanzania’s capital, Dodoma, has sparked controversy after she made comments linking an alleged gang-rape victim to sex work. The commander, Theopista Mallya, came under fire after stating that the woman in a viral video appearing to show her being assaulted “appeared to be engaged in sex work.”
The video, which went viral earlier this month, prompted outrage in the East African nation, leading to four men denying charges over the alleged attack. In response to the public backlash, Tanzania’s national police force issued an apology and announced that Mallya had been transferred from her post.
Despite Mallya’s assertion that the woman did not deserve to be treated that way, her comments were met with criticism from activists and lawyers who condemned the insensitivity towards women’s rights. Lawyer Peter Madeleka described the remarks as “proof of police cruelty to women’s rights,” while activist Fatma Karume questioned whether individuals engaged in sex work could not be raped in the country.
The suspects in the case appeared in court on Monday, where they were charged with gang rape and engaging in unnatural acts. They pleaded not guilty and will remain in police custody as the investigation continues.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of sexual assault victims in Tanzania and the need for sensitivity and respect towards survivors. The transfer of Mallya from her position highlights the importance of holding law enforcement officials accountable for their words and actions in cases of gender-based violence.
