Annamary Polepole, the mother of former Tanzanian diplomat Humphrey Polepole, has issued a heartfelt plea for authorities to help locate her son, who vanished under mysterious circumstances. In an emotional interview with the BBC, she begged, ‘If he is alive, return him to me. If he is not, bring his body and let me bury my child myself. They should not go and throw him into the sea.’ Humphrey Polepole, a vocal critic of the Tanzanian government, was reportedly abducted from his Dar es Salaam home in the early hours of October 6. His brother discovered the house door broken and traces of blood, raising concerns about foul play. Local police confirmed they are investigating the incident, though the city’s police chief initially cast doubt on the reported attack, suggesting the former ambassador to Cuba often claimed to be abroad. This incident follows the alleged abduction of Polepole’s sister in July, deepening the family’s anguish. Annamary Polepole lamented, ‘As a woman who struggled to raise children as a widow, it is very painful for such things to happen.’ She also expressed fears for Tanzania’s future, criticizing the government’s heavy-handed tactics. Humphrey Polepole, who resigned as ambassador earlier this year after publicly denouncing the government’s disregard for justice and constitutional principles, had recently questioned President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s nomination as the ruling party’s presidential candidate. He also accused government officials of corruption and misuse of public funds, claiming armed individuals had harassed his family and raided his home twice. Despite his outspoken stance, many Tanzanians have praised his courage, while others question his moral authority given his previous roles under both Magufuli and Samia. His mother, however, described him as a man of integrity and warmth. The case unfolds amid a tense political climate as Tanzania prepares for its October 29 general election, with President Samia seeking a second term amidst growing criticism of her administration’s repressive measures.