A police commander in Dodoma, Tanzania, has been removed from her position after making controversial remarks linking a gang rape victim to sex work.
The comments followed the viral circulation of a video showing a young woman being assaulted by five men, which sparked public outrage.
The Dodoma Regional Commander, Theopista Mallya, was reported by a Tanzanian newspaper as stating that the victim “appeared to be engaged in sex work.”
This comment was widely criticized for minimizing the woman’s suffering. In response, Tanzania’s national police force issued an apology and confirmed that Mallya had been transferred from her role.
National police spokesperson David Misime said on Monday, “The police force would like to apologise to everyone who was touched and offended by the statement circulating in the media while monitoring is being done to find its accuracy.”
He added that Mallya had stated to the local paper Mwananchi that even if the woman were a sex worker, “she did not deserve to be treated that way,” though this specific phrase was not included in Mwananchi’s report.
The video showed the suspects interrogating the woman, making her apologize to someone identified as “afande,” a term commonly used for police or military personnel in Tanzania.
Activists and social media users were outraged, suspecting the involvement of security forces. Mallya clarified that the suspects were not acting under orders from any officers but were reportedly under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Following the backlash, the national police announced Mallya’s transfer to the police headquarters, though it is unclear if this move is temporary or permanent.
Source-BBC
