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Adeladius Makwega – MBAGALA
On June 27, 2026, Mwanakwetu came across a scene of young people participating in sports. In this scene, one young man, whom I think was a militia member, was dressed in sports attire and was also taking part in the games from the side. While participating, he kept pulling up his tracksuit trousers because they were a bit tight. As he did so, it became visible that he had handcuffs placed around his waist.
Mwanakwetu said to himself:
“This is an auxiliary police officer. He believes that even here, chaos could break out, and he can quickly control anyone who causes trouble.”
The games continued.
Later, on the side of the area, police officers passed by. At times, police vehicles carrying armed officers drove past; they came and went in different directions.
After some time, Mwanakwetu realized that this area had all security institutions present except the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) alone.
Quietly, Mwanakwetu said to himself:
“In a group of 500 people gathered, there must be a TPDF soldier present—perhaps in civilian clothes.”
These police officers kept passing by—some carrying batons, others with guns. At times, their vehicles sped past. In his mind, Mwanakwetu thought about his police brothers, saying:
“Are they rushing somewhere to provide security, or is there a place that is not safe?”
While there, Mwanakwetu reflected on the functions of the following police tools: handcuffs, baton, and gun—what are they for?
He sought answers deeply, and these were some of them:
“Police handcuffs are a special tool used to restrain people’s hands (especially suspects or criminals) to prevent them from engaging in dangerous actions. The main function of handcuffs is to prevent a suspect from escaping. They secure the hands so a person cannot run away or free themselves easily. They help police control someone who poses a threat to others or to the officers themselves. When a suspect is being taken to a police station or court, handcuffs help ensure they are transported without problems. This tool is also believed to reduce the possibility of a suspect harming themselves or others. In general, handcuffs are a tool for safety and control. Those who believe this say that handcuffs are not punishment but are used during arrest or detention according to the law.”
Remember, Mwanakwetu is watching the games while reflecting on another police tool—the baton:
“A police baton is a special stick (tool) that police officers carry and use in their duties of protection and security. A baton is a short, hard stick. Police use a baton as a tool to control people, defend themselves, or maintain order during their duties. In simple terms: a police baton is a tool for self-defense and controlling risky situations. It is one of the common tools used by police alongside others in their work.”
Mwanakwetu continues watching the games as the competition goes on, police vehicles moving back and forth, officers standing on the sides of open vehicles.
Mwanakwetu says these officers could even fall from those vehicles since they are driven at high speed—because even police officers are human.
Some officers pass by on motorcycles, others on foot, and Mwanakwetu’s reflection continues to deepen.
Another tool that came to mind was the gun:
“The role of a gun for police is to assist in the protection and safety of citizens, but it is used with great caution and not carelessly. A gun is used for self-defense for officers or citizens when there is serious danger. It is used to control dangerous criminals (for example, armed robbers). It helps in arresting criminals by reducing their ability to resist, not necessarily to kill them.
It is important to understand: the role of a gun is not to kill directly, but to help police achieve safety and capture criminals. Its use follows laws and specific procedures to avoid harm to innocent people. A police gun is a last resort used only in very dangerous situations to protect lives and control crime.”
Other police tools include tear gas, which is used to disperse crowds or riots.
There is also communication radio; its main role is to communicate with other officers. Another tool is a shield, which is used for protection against stones or attacks.
The purpose of the shield is to assist in control; the purpose of the radio is communication and safety. The baton represents lower force (control), while the gun represents higher force (very dangerous situations).
My reader, remember that Mwanakwetu reflects on all this while watching the games.
Police vehicle movements continue.
While there, Mwanakwetu reflected that the purpose of all these tools is to protect citizens—that is, me, you, and everyone—so that no one is oppressed by any criminal. That is why the Police Force protects citizens and their property, the Tanzania People’s Defence Force protects national borders, and even our colleagues in State Security protect the security of the nation, not the safety of an individual.
Mwanakwetu said to himself:
“In these games, chaos could occur that may harm anyone regardless of their status. The relevant tools—whether baton, tear gas, or gun—have the responsibility to control the person involved and restore peace.”
Mwanakwetu thought that without careful use of these tools, in the end, these weapons could turn against their users. To preserve the dignity of their duty to the nation, these tools must be used properly.
Mwanakwetu watched the games until the end and then returned home. While at home, he decided to prepare this article.
What is Mwanakwetu saying today?
Our officers working in security and defense institutions must understand that if these tools are misused, they should not think they are safe. They live in the same world where these tools can be used either properly or improperly. If used correctly, they will be safe; but if misused against anyone—even the least person—those same weapons can be used against them as well, whether they are still in service or retired.
This is a very important matter that our brothers/sisters working in these institutions must understand, and Mwanakwetu asks God that each one of us reads this article carefully.
Tanzanians, let us not forget this example: the killing of Brigadier General Imran Kombe on June 30, 1996, a few months after his retirement.
“Imran Hussein Kombe was a Tanzanian military and intelligence officer. During the Uganda–Tanzania War of 1979, he commanded the 201st Brigade of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) during the invasion of Uganda. From 1980 to 1983, he served as Chief of Staff of the TPDF before being appointed Director of the Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service. He held that position until 1995. He was shot and killed by police the following year after being mistaken for a car thief.”
Imran Kombe was a Brigadier General in the TPDF. Moreover, he was the Director of the Intelligence and Security Service—one of the highest positions in Tanzania.
Ironically, the officers who shot him came from Oyster Bay Police Station, not from Marangu Police Station, which was closer to the headquarters of that department.
My reader, understand that the rank of Brigadier General is a high military rank. It is above Colonel and below Major General, usually given to highly experienced officers.
In short: Imran Kombe was a top military leader in Tanzania, yet he was killed by police after being mistaken for a criminal.
My fellow Tanzanians, your brother Mwanakwetu from Mbagala speaks to you:
“The proper use of weapons is very important because the power of weapons differs: one has a baton, another tear gas, another a regular gun, another a submachine gun, and another nuclear weapons. The owner of these (weapons) is Tanzanians, and they must be protected.
Even if you have physical strength, someone with a baton will come. If you have a baton, someone with tear gas will come. If you have tear gas, someone with a regular gun will come. If you have a regular gun, someone with a submachine gun will come. If you have a submachine gun, someone with heavy explosives will come. If you have heavy explosives, someone with nuclear weapons will come. If you have one nuclear weapon, someone with many nuclear weapons will come. The meaning is that if you have any weapon and do not use it justly, in the end you will be destroyed, because there is always someone more powerful than you.”
Mwanakwetu advises leaders of security and defense institutions to advise our leaders truthfully, not to fear them, not to be influenced by money, and not to cling to their positions, as these are temporary. If you fear them, the safety of every Tanzanian becomes weak. I repeat: the safety of every Tanzanian is at risk.
Mwanakwetu, Are you there? Remember:
Who is like Imran Kombe?
“If you fear them, the safety of every Tanzanian is at risk.”
Have a good day.
makwadeladius@gmail.com
0717649257
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