Tanzania Police Arrest Eleven for Poaching, School Teacher Detained for Rape Allegations
Eleven individuals were arrested in Morogoro, Tanzania, for poaching wildlife in national parks, possessing firearms and hunting equipment. Police also detained a driver for allegedly stealing and destroying fuel evidence. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, highlighting the efforts to combat illegal activities in the region.
On March 14, 2025, eleven individuals were apprehended in Morogoro, Tanzania, as part of a crackdown on wildlife poaching. The operation, executed by Morogoro police and wildlife rangers, uncovered firearms and traditional weapons associated with illegal hunting in national parks. The arrests, according to Morogoro Regional Police Commander Alex Mkama, involved collaboration with officers from the Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa).
Commander Mkama detailed the poachers’ possession during a press briefing held on March 20, revealing that the suspects carried firearms including two shotguns and a muzzleloader. The arrested individuals include Safari Tamba (23), Jacob Chigange (50), Marthias Ndalu (20), and several others from various districts. Furthermore, the suspects were found with significant quantities of ammunition and hunting materials, such as the heads of common duiker and porcupine quills.
In a related incident, police also detained Abubakar Mwichangwe (29) for allegedly burning a truck to cover up a fuel theft. The theft involved 35,700 liters of diesel, valued at over TZS 77.112 billion, belonging to Acer Logistics (T). This incident occurred on March 16 while the fuel was en route to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Authorities continue to investigate both cases thoroughly.
The recent arrests in Morogoro represent a significant effort to combat wildlife poaching in Tanzania’s national parks. The collaboration between law enforcement and wildlife agencies has led to the apprehension of individuals engaged in illegal activities. Moreover, police are addressing fuel theft cases, emphasizing a commitment to uphold law and order. The ongoing investigations demonstrate the seriousness with which these issues are being treated by the authorities.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
