Developing Case: Abduction of Tsega Belachew in Hawassa by Mayor’s Bodyguard Raises Allegations of Police Neglect, Suspect’s Connections, and Cultural Factors

16-06-2023

Tsedenia Gigar Getaneh 

Women’s Rights Researcher, 

Global Human Rights Defense.

Tsega Belachew a young woman, was abducted on May 23, 2023, in the city of Hawassa located in the Sidama regional state in southern Ethiopia. This incident has sparked significant controversy and discussions throughout the country. The perpetrator responsible for the kidnapping is Constable Yheualamebrat Woledemariam, who is a bodyguard for the mayor of Hawassa and a former police officer. The peace and security office of the Sidama region has confirmed the abduction of Tsega Belachew through CCTV footage, which implicates the mayor’s bodyguard. (Natnael Fite, May 30, 2023)

According to the family member statement, landlord of her house informed them that she didn’t return home that evening. When the family visited her workplace, where Tsega works as an accountant at a bank, they overheard from one of her colleagues mentioning that she had been abducted by the mayor’s bodyguard.  Furthermore, according to the family’s statements, the abductor had previously physically assaulted her repeatedly and issued threats of harm in order to coerce her into an unwanted marriage. (Tesfaye Getnet, May 30, 2023) 

The abduction was promptly reported by the family to both the Hawassa city and Sidama regional police. However, the case did not receive the desired level of attention. There is a suspect that certain individuals within the police force have intentionally downplayed the situation due to the abductor’s connections. Allegedly, there have been attempts to silence them by invoking the concept of “local culture.’’ (Natnael Fite, May 30, 2023)

        “After learning of her abduction, we immediately reported it to the Hawassa city and Sidama regional police. But it didn’t get the attention we wanted. There are those in the police who try to keep the case from getting attention because the man has contacts with the police. They tried to silence us in the name of “local culture” the family member said. (Natnael Fite, May 30, 2023)

The more the case got public attention, the police started thorough undercover operations at the designated site. However, it was later uncovered that the suspect had already been tipped off and fled the scene. A police notification revealed the presence of individuals including police officers who provided the suspect with insider information complicating the surveillance efforts. Few individuals including police officers who coordinated with the abduction and who cooperated tipping him information on police operations have been arrested. (Tesfaye Getnet, May 30, 2023)

• Current development of the case 

After gaining considerable attention as a hostage for a period of 9 days, she was eventually freed, while the kidnapper managed to escape into a nearby forest. (Tesfaye Getnet, June 1, 2023) However, the security task force conducted a thorough search, leading to the successful apprehension of the wanted suspect on June 6, 2023. (Tesfaye Getnet, June 6, 2023)

• Seeking Justice for Tsega Belachew: Analyzing the Intersection of the Abduction Case and Legal Framework in Ethiopia. 

The abduction of Tsega Belachew highlights the critical need for the Ethiopian criminal code to address and condemn harmful traditional practices that cause grave injuries and suffering, particularly to women and children. The preamble of the criminal code acknowledges the importance of respecting diverse cultures, but it also emphasizes that scientifically proven harmful practices should not be supported.  (The Criminal Code of Ethiopia, 2004)

Moreover, Article 587 of the Criminal Code, recognizes the gravity of abduction with the intent to marry a woman, whether through violence or obtaining consent through intimidation, threat, trickery, or deceit. However, the case at hand raises concerns about the effectiveness of the law and its implementation, particularly when individuals in positions of power or influence are involved. (The Criminal Code of Ethiopia, 2004)

To safeguard the rights and well-being of women and prevent abductions in the name of local culture, it is essential for the legislative and executive branches to make ongoing efforts in public education, the implementation of progressive laws, and guiding society away from harmful traditional practices. By doing so, we can ensure a future where women are protected, and such incidents are effectively deterred.

Sources and further readings:

Natnael Fite (May 30, 2023). News: Uproar after mayor’s bodyguard abducts young woman in Hawassa, regional police in pursuit, detain six suspects-. Addis Standard, Retrieved June 15, 2023, from https://addisstandard.com/news-uproar-after-mayors-bodyguard-abducted-young-woman-in-hawassa-police-in-pursuit-of-abductor-arrest-six-accomplices/

Tesfaye Getnet (May 30, 2023). The mayor of Hawasa’s bodyguards abducted a Dashen Bank Employees. Fidel Post, Retrieved June 15, 2023, from https://fidelpost.com/the-mayor-of-hawasas-bodyguards-abduct-a-dashen-bank-employee/

Tesfaye Getnet (June 1, 2023). After nine days, the girl employee of Dashen Bank who was abducted in Hawasa is found-; Retrieved June 16, 2023, from https://fidelpost.com/after-nine-days-the-girl-employee-of-dashen-bank-who-was-abducted-in-hawasa-is-found/

Tesfaye Getnet (June 6, 2023). Tsega Belachew’s purported abductor in Hawassa has been taken into custody-. Retrieved June 16, 2023, from https://fidelpost.com/tsega-belachews-purported-abductor-in-hawassa-has-been-taken-into-custody/

The Criminal Code of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia 2004- Retrieved June 16, 2023, from https://www.refworld.org/pdfid/49216b572.pdf