Tanzania's Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone has warned of possible violence and acts of sabotage on November 6, as the High Court prepares to deliver its judgment in the treason case against opposition leader Tundu Lissu. In a public statement dated November 3, the police said they were tracking groups allegedly encouraging people to converge in the city, with some suspected of planning disturbances and other unlawful activities. Lissu, chairman of the opposition party CHADEMA, has been detained since his arrest in April 2025.
The police warning comes as the High Court prepares to deliver its judgment on Friday, November 6, in the case against Lissu, who faces a treason charge arising from statements he allegedly made during a political meeting in April 2025. Prosecutors argue that his remarks amounted to an attempt to threaten the government, while Lissu has maintained that his statements did not constitute a criminal offense. The trial concluded in September, and the court ruling has attracted considerable public and international interest.
The police statement did not identify the individuals or groups allegedly organizing the activities, nor did it provide specific evidence of a planned coup. Although the police force's social media post carried the headline "Warning to Those Who Want to Stage a Coup on November 6, 2026," the accompanying official statement focused on alleged plans for disturbances, violence, and sabotage. The police said they would take legal action against anyone found involved in plans to cause disorder, violence, or sabotage.
Alongside the warning, the Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone reported that 67 people had been arrested during October operations targeting various criminal offenses. Among those arrested were Abrahaman Suleiman, also known as Bunda, and three other suspects accused of stealing motorcycles using knives and machetes. Police said they recovered three motorcycles, including a TVS registered as MC429 FZS, a Sinoray registered as MC295 FZH, and an unregistered Yamaha.
In a separate operation, Azizi Joachim, known as Mabewa, and five others were arrested over alleged involvement in a scheme involving equipment used to erase and reinstall operating systems on mobile phones and computers. Police also reported the arrest of Eugen Justine and three others accused of defrauding members of the public near banks through the use of counterfeit minerals. The statement further listed nine people who had been convicted in separate criminal cases, with sentences ranging from 20 years in prison to life imprisonment.
The police said operations would continue as the city approaches November 6, reiterating that they would act against anyone suspected of planning or carrying out criminal activities. The warning places renewed attention on security arrangements in Dar es Salaam ahead of a court decision that has attracted considerable public and international interest. Authorities have emphasized the need to prevent violence, but the allegations of planned disruption remain claims made by the police.
The case against Lissu has been closely watched, and the court's decision is expected to have significant implications for Tanzania's opposition and political landscape. The police have urged residents to respect the court's established procedures for attending and following proceedings. The outcome of the case and the potential for disruption or violence remain uncertain, as the city prepares for the court ruling on November 6.
Key points
- The police warning of possible violence and sabotage ahead of the Tundu Lissu verdict.
- 67 people arrested in October operations targeting various criminal offenses in Dar es Salaam.
- The court's decision in the treason case against Lissu expected to have significant implications for Tanzania's opposition and political landscape.
