Avoid use of excessive force to citizens, CCM tells conservators
KILIMANJARO: CHAMA Cha Mapinduzi Secretary General, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi has directed government institutions engaging in forest and wildlife conservation to avoid using excessive force when they deal with cases that involve citizens who live near the conserved areas.
Dr Nchimbi made the call, including sending the message to all institutions such as the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), saying there have been complaints from the public over use of excessive force by wildlife officers when problems occur. He was speaking to Himo Ward residents, Kilimanjaro Region.
He said the government must ensure all its institutions apply minimum force when handling problems involving citizens.
Dr Nchimbi gave the directives after Vunjo MP, Dr Charles Kimei explained on the circumstances that led to the killing of a young man in his constituency. He said the young man was shot dead by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) ranger.
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“We strongly support and embrace the laws that govern conservation of our forests and wildlife since the natural resources are for the benefits of the current and future generations but officials should avoid the use of excessive force when executing their activities,” he said.
Dr Nchimbi added that life is irreplaceable thus they must care for lives and respect human rights when executing their daily activities.
“Using heavy weapons against unarmed citizens is unacceptable, lets respect human rights, humanity and dignity,” he noted.
According to Dr Nchimbi, there were laws and regulations that direct officials to perform their duties and that going against them is tantamount to committing an offence.
The Secretary General urged the residents of Kilimanjaro Region and Tanzanians in general to strongly oppose and condemn some politicians and other individuals who incite hatred purposely to disrupt peace.
“There is a religious leader who has been inciting people to disrupt peace by asking them to prepare weapons, this is a bad move, as it aims at shedding blood of innocent Tanzanians,” he said.
Dr Nchimbi asked other political leaders to conduct thorough vetting and scrutinisation of individuals before appointing or electing them to various elective posts to avoid having leaders who are fond of disrupting peace in the society.
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“I am asking other political parties and voters at large to always assess and investigate the history and background of the person who wants to be appointed or elected to particular leadership position. Some of these leaders intend to disrupt peace and cause chaos. So let’s have leaders who can help us achieve societal development goals,” Dr Nchimbi said.
On May 9 this year, a 38 year old man named Octavian Temba, a resident of Komela Village in the Moshi District was allegedly shot dead by a KINAPA ranger named Gabriel Chokela, who was brought to court on charges of the alleged murder.
It was explained that Temba was shot dead when he was cutting grass for his livestock within the KINAPA. He was buried at his Komela home village, leaving behind a wife and four young children.
