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DCI troubled by rise of mob justice cases in Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR: DEPUTY Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Zubeir Chembera has noted with great concern the increase in incidences of mob justice in Zanzibar.

“It is unfortunate that some members of the public have resorted to mob justice as a means of venting their anger, resolving grievances, or dealing with persons suspected of having committed crimes,” said Chembera when he released a semiannual report on crime in the Isles.

He said between January and June this year a total of 1,652 criminal offenses were recorded, up, compared to  1,459 recorded in similar period last year (equivalent to 13.2 per cent), “I urge members of the public to collaborate with law enforcers to stop or minimise offenses against humanity.”

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He appealed to all members of the public and relevant stakeholders such as civil society organizations, political leaders, religious leaders and the media to join hands with the police in promoting the rule of law by discouraging mob justice.

“Some people claim to take the law into their own hands because the police or courts release criminals, but the fact is that once a suspect is arrested, many people refuse to provide evidence, leading to the suspect being freed,” DCI Chembera argued.

He added that the police remain committed to ensuring the safety of all individuals in Zanzibar as well as in the United Republic of Tanzania. “Let us all join hands in creating a safe and secure country for everyone,” he urged.

Statistics indicate that crime or offense against humanity (mob justice, conflict between couples and GBV) are leading followed by offenses against property [theft of livestock and farm produce, motorbike for public transport) and offenses against public tranquility [illicit alcohol brewing and Drugs (cannabis)].

“Most bodabodas are stolen at public gathering places during weddings and mass prayers, with thieves using master keys to drive them away. However, we have made significant progress in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly in addressing sexual abuse, rape, defilement/sodomy and burglary,” he said.

The three top Zanzibar leaders—President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, First Vice-President Othman Masoud Othman and Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdalla—have on separate occasions, recently attributed the rise in crime to moral decay among youths.

They have urged parents and teachers to take more proactive roles in parenting to help reduce the number of young people involved in criminal activities.