Police nab 11 people involved in stealing, sabotaging TTCL’s communication systems

DAR ES SALAAM: POLICE in the Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone, in collaboration with the security unit of Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL), have arrested 11 people suspected of being part of a network involved in vandalising, stealing and sabotaging TTCL’s telecommunications and internet infrastructure.

Police said the alleged acts of sabotage included cutting and stealing copper cables used by TTCL.

Speaking to journalists today, August 27, 2026, Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone Commander Jumanne Muliro said the theft and destruction of the infrastructure had significantly affected the operations of various government institutions and private-sector organisations that rely on the network to conduct economic and social activities.

He said police conducted an intensive crackdown and detailed investigations over a three-month period, from June to August, involving commissioners from various units, including Intelligence, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Community Policing, Operations and Forensic units.

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According to muliro, the investigation uncovered a network involved in sabotaging the telecommunications infrastructure.

He said the suspects used various methods to conceal their activities, including disguising as TTCL employees.

“Some of the suspects wore protective gear, including hard hats, reflective jackets, work boots and gloves, in order to mislead members of the public into believing that they were legitimate TTCL workers carrying out maintenance,” Commander Muliro said.

Police said the investigation was aimed at identifying individuals involved in the theft and destruction of TTCL infrastructure and preventing further disruptions to telecommunications and internet services in Dar es Salaam.