ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR First Vice-President, Othman Masoud Othman, has assured families of two young men who died during a police car chase in Unguja North Region last week that the government will ensure justice.
Offering his condolences, Mr Othman urged the grieving parents of the deceased to remain patient while investigations are conducted.
The two men, Msima Sharif (29) and Abdalla Bakar Sheha (28), were reportedly collecting sand from a restricted area when police pursued them, firing shots into the air.
The chase ended tragically when their vehicle crashed into a tree, killing them instantly.
Eyewitnesses alleged that gunfire from the police caused the crash. In response, the First Vice-President has directed authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident.
The Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG), Tanzania’s primary body for protecting human rights, has also joined the inquiry. CHRAGG Com – missioner Khatib Mwinyi Mwinyichande confirmed the agency’s involvement, pledging to uncover the truth surrounding the deaths.
Additionally, Zanzibar’s Deputy Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Zubeir Chembera, announced that an independent investigative team has been deployed. “We are committed to determining the facts behind this incident, which also left two children injured,” he said.
The incident occurred in Kidoti village on November 9 during a police patrol aimed at preventing illegal sand mining, an activity linked to environmental degradation.
Over the past six years, Zanzibar authorities have tightened regulations on sourcing construction materials like sand and rocks to address environmental concerns.
However, growing demand driven by the construction industry has led many young men to engage in unauthorised sand extraction, often resulting in conflicts with law enforcement
