Police Brutality and the Theft of Church Property

 Police Brutality and the Theft of Church Property:

A Disturbing Attack on Bishop Josephat Gwajima’s Ministry
By Shimba Theological Institute

The church has always been a sanctuary — a place where believers gather to worship, find peace, and experience the presence of God. Yet recent events involving Bishop Josephat Gwajima’s church have shaken the nation and exposed a shocking level of abuse, brutality, and lawlessness committed by those entrusted with the duty to protect citizens.

A Night of Violence, Intimidation, and Theft

Reports indicate that police officers — acting under suspicious and politically charged directives — stormed Bishop Gwajima’s church premises in a brutal and unlawful operation. Instead of upholding justice, the officers engaged in acts that can only be described as outright criminality.

Eyewitnesses and church members recount how officers broke into the church offices, smashed doors, and terrorized innocent people. What was supposed to be a law-enforcement action turned into a violent raid fueled by intimidation and destruction.

They Stole Money and Broke the Safe

Perhaps the most shocking aspect of this incident is the theft of church funds. Officers forcibly broke open the church safe and disappeared with the money stored inside.
This is not law enforcement — this is robbery under the guise of authority.

Such actions raise serious questions:

• Who authorized this raid?

• Why were police officers handling sacred church property like common burglars?

• How can citizens trust the very institutions meant to protect them?

Computers, Laptops, and iPads Taken Without Accountability

In addition to breaking the safe and stealing money, officers confiscated — or rather stole — church electronics. Computers, laptops, tablets, and iPads used for ministry work, media production, and administration vanished into the hands of those who carried out the raid.

These devices contained sensitive information, sermons, financial records, and years of ministry data. Such theft is more than material loss — it is an attack on the operational heart of the church.

Even Furniture Was Not Spared

Shockingly, the theft extended beyond electronics. Officers even took chairs and other church equipment, demonstrating the lawlessness and impunity that characterized the entire operation.

When police officers strip a house of worship of its furniture, we are no longer dealing with an isolated case — we are looking at institutional decay and the weaponization of state power against religious communities.

A Violation of Religious Freedom and Human Rights

This incident is not just about stolen property. It is a violation of:

• Religious freedom

• The sanctity of worship spaces

• Human rights and dignity

• The rule of law

Churches in Tanzania have historically played a major role in promoting peace, morality, and unity. Targeting a church with violence and theft is an attack on society itself.

Where Is Accountability?

The public deserves answers. Tanzanians deserve the truth. The church deserves justice.

Shimba Theological Institute calls for:

1. An independent investigation into the raid.

2. Immediate return of stolen property.

3. Criminal prosecution of all officers involved.

4. Public accountability from the authorities who sanctioned the operation.

5. Legal protection for religious institutions to prevent such abuses in the future.

The Church Will Not Be Silenced

Despite intimidation and injustice, the church of Jesus Christ remains unshaken.
History teaches us that whenever oppressive forces rise against the people of God, the church emerges stronger, more united, and more resilient.

Bishop Gwajima’s ministry has long been a voice for truth, justice, and spiritual empowerment. This attack will not erase that voice — it will only amplify the call for accountability and righteousness.

Conclusion

What happened at Bishop Josephat Gwajima’s church is not acceptable by any moral, legal, or democratic standard. Police brutality and theft committed under the cover of authority should alarm every citizen, regardless of political or religious background.

The nation must rise and demand justice.
The church must stand firm in faith.
And those responsible must face the consequences of their actions.

Shimba Theological Institute remains committed to speaking truth, defending justice, and standing with all victims of oppression.