A social media account linked to the Tanzania Police Force was hacked on Tuesday morning, leading to the dissemination of unverified messages and even a live broadcast on the platform.

Among the false information shared was a fake report claiming the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, which caused widespread confusion and concern.

The compromised account, which boasts approximately 468,705 followers, is a key platform used by the Tanzanian police to update the public on criminal proceedings and other law enforcement initiatives. The account’s last legitimate post was on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

This cyberattack comes amid heightened political tensions in Tanzania. President Suluhu Hassan is currently embroiled in a legal battle with opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces treason charges.

On Monday, President Suluhu addressed the nation, stating that foreign activists would no longer be permitted to “interfere” in Tanzania’s affairs. This statement followed the deportation of several Kenyan rights activists who attempted to attend Lissu’s trial but were denied entry into the country.

President Suluhu emphasized the need for the nation’s security and defense agencies to prevent external interference. “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 a televised speech at the launch of Tanzania’s new foreign policy.

She further warned against allowing individuals from other countries to disrupt the peace in Tanzania, referring to them as “ill-mannered” and accusing them of destabilizing their own nations.

The hacking incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of official government accounts and the potential for misinformation to spread quickly in the digital age.

Authorities have yet to comment on the breach or the measures being taken to restore control of the account.