36 arrested in Geita for illegal entry

GEITA: THE Immigration Department in Geita Region has arrested 36 individuals for illegal entry into the country, including 28 Burundian nationals.

The suspects were found without valid travel documents.

Geita Regional Immigration Officer, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Immigration James Mwanjotile said that the suspects were arrested on May 11, 2025.

According to Mwanjotile, the individuals were apprehended in the Katoro Township Authority area of Geita District while traveling on a bus with registration number T624 DVY owned by Alhamdulillah Company.

“The passenger bus operates regularly between Kibondo District in Kigoma Region and Mwanza City. During questioning, the foreign nationals admitted they were enroute to various destinations across the country,” he said.

He added: “They all originated from Burundi. Some said they were heading to Mwanza, others to Kagera and Musoma.”

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Following investigations conducted in coordination with other security and defence agencies, eight individuals including two Tanzanian nationals were cleared of any wrongdoing and subsequently released.

However, Mwanjotile confirmed that legal action was taken against the 28 undocumented individuals.

Arrangements were made for their deportation back to Burundi using the same bus, under official supervision.

He also issued a strong warning to Tanzanians involved in aiding illegal immigration, whether through transportation, shelter or employment, stressing that enforcement efforts are ongoing to tackle the issue.