Police arrest over 8,000 suspects in Katavi

KATAVI: POLICE in Katavi Region have arrested 8,064 suspects for various criminal activities between January and December 2024, a 1.7 per cent increase compared to the 7,931 arrested in 2023.

Regional Police Commander (RPC) Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Ms Kalster Ngonyani revealed this during a press briefing over the weekend, presenting the annual police report.

She explained that the arrests were part of a broader crackdown aimed at addressing rising criminal activities in the region, including narcotics-related offences.

“The offences committed by the suspects included gender-based violence, theft, murder, cybercrimes, drug-related offences, cattle rustling, armed robbery, poaching, human trafficking, burglary and traffic law violations,” she said.

Ms Ngonyani reported that 4,356 cases were taken to court, with 1,870 resulting in convictions.

The sentences handed down ranged from death by hanging and life imprisonment to community service and 30-year jail terms.

She added that 176 cases remain at various stages of hearings. During the operations, 759 individuals were arrested with 10,674 litres of illicit brew, while 285 were found in possession of 522 kilogrammes and 689 grammes of narcotic drugs, including marijuana.

“Fifty-four individuals were arrested for committing serious crimes, including murder, while 42 others were apprehended with 29 homemade firearms, popularly known as gobori and ammunition.

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These firearms were primarily used in poaching activities,” she said. Additionally, 48 suspects were found with stolen livestock, and 21 others were caught in possession of government trophies, including lion skins and pangolin scales.

“During these operations, 75 individuals were arrested for illegally entering the country,” she added.

On traffic offences, the RPC revealed that 26,485 violations were recorded in the region in 2024, with some incidents resulting in fatalities and injuries.

She urged the public to continue sharing valuable information with the police to aid in curbing crime and recovering stolen property, emphasising that some of the confiscated equipment was either stolen or used in committing crimes.

In response to the rising crime rates, the police have pledged to enhance public safety through increased educational outreach programmes aimed at fostering community participation in maintaining law and order.

“These initiatives have significantly improved the effectiveness of community policing in the region,” Ms Ngonyani concluded.