SINGIDA: POLICE in Singida Region have arrested a Prison Warden for allegedly killing a civilian in an election-related clash. The incident occurred on Tuesday in Stendi Hamlet, Mkwese Ward, Manyoni District, Singida Region.
According to Singida Regional Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Amon Kakwale, the confrontation erupted when supporters of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) were holding a private meeting in a residential house when a group of people, who are believed to be supporters of an opposition party turned up.
“The gathering was disrupted by a group of opposition supporters from Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), leading to a violent clash,” said the RPC in a statement released to the media on Thursday.
He said the Prison Wardens from a nearby correctional facility were called to the scene while coordinating with the police. Upon arrival, the officers were pelted with stones, prompting them to fire warning shots into the air to disperse the attackers.
“In the commotion, a stray bullet struck George Juma (41) a CHADEMA candidate for the Stendi hamlet. Juma succumbed to his injuries, escalating tensions in the area,” he said.
ALSO READ: Prison officer arrested over fatal shooting in Manyoni
He said investigations are ongoing to identify and hold accountable all those responsible for the violence.
“We urge citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to maintain peace during the election process,” said the RPC.
In another incident, police in Rukwa Region are investigating a suspected plot against Nkasi North MP Aida Kenan’s family, which led to the arrest of six individuals.
Rukwa Regional Police Commander, SACP Shadrack Masija said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects, traveling on two motorcycles, were found with a 20-litre container of petrol.
The RPC said police are investigating whether the suspects intended to use the petrol to torch the MP’s house.
