Tanzania’s opposition party CHADEMA has raised alarm over the whereabouts of its Deputy National Chairperson (Mainland), John Heche, who reportedly went missing shortly after being arrested by police in Dodoma on Tuesday November 4, 2025.

According to a statement released by CHADEMA, Heche was taken by officers from Mtumba Police Station under claims that he was needed by the Regional Police Commander (RPC) in Dodoma. The incident happened in the presence of his wife and the party’s Central Zone Secretary, Ashura Masoud, who attempted to follow the vehicle that carried him but were left behind when it sped off.

When the family and party officials later went to the RPC’s office in Dodoma, they were told that there was no information or summons regarding Heche. His current location remains unknown, raising serious concerns about his safety and wellbeing.

CHADEMA has demanded an immediate public explanation from Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camilius Wambura, Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Ramadhan Kingai and other senior police officials, calling for transparency on Heche’s whereabouts and condition.

The party says it is deeply worried, noting that Heche’s disappearance follows weeks of harassment targeting opposition leaders. Heche was first arrested on October 22 in Dar es Salaam while entering the High Court for the treason case of party chairman Tundu Lissu. A few days later, CHADEMA revealed that he was critically ill while in police custody, suffering from chest pain and fever and had not received proper medical care.

Heche’s troubles began earlier when he was blocked from entering Kenya to attend the funeral of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

CHADEMA says the continued persecution of opposition figures is a threat to democracy and human rights, urging the government to respect the rule of law and immediately account for the missing leader.