The family of Tanzanian freelance journalist Erick Kabendera is in shock after unknown people raided their home and forcibly took him away.
The incident took place on Monday evening as the journalist was at home with his wife.
“He was taken away at around 4 pm by six people who claimed they were police officers,” the distraught Kabendera’s wife told the media
The assailants in civilian clothes stormed the place destroyed the house's internal phone system, took the scribe’s mobile phone before bundling him in in a waiting car and leaving.
“They told us he (Kabendera) was wanted by police but did not tell us why.”
Before leaving the journalist, the abductors searched the home despite resistance from the journalist and neighbours.
Those who tried to film or take photos of the dramatic arrest lost their phones during the incident.
Tanzania police, however, said they were not aware of any arrest at the journalist’s home and had no information at all.
“I have not received any report on the matter,” said Dar es Salaam police boss Lazaro Mambosasa.
Kabendera writes for various regional and international publications.
