Police arrest 123 in Mwanza crackdown
MWANZA: MWANZA Regional Police have arrested 123 suspects in a month-long crackdown targeting criminal activities across the region.
Regional Police Commander, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Wilbroad Mutafungwa, said the operations were conducted throughout September to prevent crime, apprehend suspects and strengthen public safety.
Among those arrested were five suspects linked to rape and sodomy, 30 found with suspected stolen property and 41 accused of gambling and engaging in criminal activities.
Another 22 suspects were arrested for motorcycle theft and night-time housebreaking, while police also detained nine people over marijuana, 11 over illegal alcohol, four for livestock theft and one suspect found with government trophies without a permit.
ALSO READ: Police impound 103 motorcycles in crackdown
“The operations are intended to identify, prevent and solve crimes while protecting citizens and their property,” Commander Mutafungwa said.
Police also seized antelope horns, 27 counterfeit currency notes, 350 litres of gongo and five machines used to produce illegal alcohol.
Other recovered items included five television sets, two subwoofers, marijuana weighing 23.324 kilogrammes and 19 motorcycles believed to be connected to criminal activities.
Investigators also recovered tools allegedly used during crimes, including screwdrivers, pliers, hammers and various keys.
“The exhibits have been stored at police stations under special procedures and will be presented in court as evidence,” he said.
The Regional Police Commander said community policing campaigns encouraging voluntary surrender of illegal firearms continue across districts through police commanders and ward inspectors.
The campaign has already resulted in the surrender of 10 illegally owned firearms, eight rifles, one pistol and one revolver, together with 36 rounds of ammunition.
“The education campaign has enabled citizens to voluntarily surrender 10 illegally owned weapons,” Commander Mutafungwa said. He said the police will continue conducting similar operations to strengthen security across the region.
