Tanzania Police Force X Account Hacked, Fake Death Report on President Suluhu Posted

A major cybersecurity breach has rocked Tanzania after the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Tanzania Police Force was hacked on Tuesday morning. The compromised account, which boasts over 468,000 followers, was used to spread disinformation — including a false report announcing the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

The hackers also conducted an unauthorized live broadcast on the police’s verified page, raising alarm across the country before the content was swiftly removed. The last legitimate post on the account had been made on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Authorities are yet to officially comment on the breach, but cybercrime experts believe the hack was well-coordinated and possibly linked to recent political tensions in the country.

Rising Political Tensions

The incident comes against the backdrop of an intensifying political standoff between President Suluhu and opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is currently facing treason charges. The trial has attracted regional attention, with foreign activists attempting to attend — sparking outrage from the Tanzanian government.

On Monday, President Suluhu condemned what she termed as external interference, stating that Tanzania would not allow foreign activists to meddle in internal affairs.

“We have started to observe a trend in which activists from within our region are attempting to intrude and interfere in our affairs,” she said during the launch of Tanzania’s new foreign policy.

Hours before the hacking incident, several Kenyan human rights activists were reportedly denied entry into Tanzania and deported to Nairobi.

“If they have been controlled in their country, let them not come to disrupt us. Let us not give them the chance; they have already destabilised their countries and the only remaining peaceful nation is Tanzania,” Suluhu warned.

Public Confusion and Security Concerns

The fake death announcement caused confusion among Tanzanians before it was debunked. Many took to social media demanding accountability and tighter cybersecurity protocols.

The Tanzania Police Force’s X account has traditionally been used to share information on criminal investigations, security operations, and community policing initiatives. The breach has now raised concerns about the vulnerability of official communication channels.

As investigations into the hack unfold, citizens and digital rights groups are calling for greater transparency from the government on cybersecurity readiness, especially with rising political unrest and growing regional scrutiny.

Developing Story

The Tanzanian Ministry of Home Affairs and the Cybercrime Unit are expected to issue an official statement later today.

In other news:Motorists Stuck for Hours as Protesters Block Kasarani-Mwiki Road

Tanzania Police Force X Account Hacked, Fake Death Report on President Suluhu Posted