DAR ES SALAAM: The Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police have arrested eight suspects in connection with the attempted kidnapping of Dar es Salaam businessman Deogratius Tarimo.
Tarimo narrowly escaped abduction at the Rovenpic Hotel in Kiluvya, Dar es Salaam, on November 11, 2024.
Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, Special Zone Police Commander Jumanne Muliro confirmed the arrests, describing them as part of an ongoing, high-intensity operation targeting criminal activities across the region.
Commander Muliro explained that the suspects were apprehended at various locations, including Dar es Salaam, Ruvuma, and Mbingu-Mlimba in Morogoro.
He added that the suspects allegedly used a Toyota Raum vehicle with falsified license plates reading T237 EGE during the attempted kidnapping. Police investigations later revealed the vehicle’s legitimate registration number to be T237 ECF.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
1. Bato Tweve (32): A resident of Kimara Bonyokwa and Songwe Mbozi.
2. Yusuph Abdallah (32): From Mbingu-Mlimba, Morogoro.
3. Fredrick Juma (31): From Kibamba.
4. Nelson Elimusa (24): A taxi driver from Mbezi Luguruni.
5. Benk Mwakalebela (40): A resident of Mbezi Makabe and Kyela Ipinda Rusongo, Mbeya.
6. Thomas Mwakagile (45): From Kinyerezi Bunyokwa and Kyela Mgonga Ndiali in Mbeya.
7. Anitha Temba (27): A resident of Mbezi Mwisho.
8. Isack Mwaifani (unknown age): From Kimara Tembo Salanga and Kyela in Mbeya.
Commander Muliro assured the public of the police force’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“The Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police will take all necessary steps to arrest and prosecute those involved in criminal activities. These suspects will face the full extent of the law,” he stated.
He also urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to help prevent similar crimes.
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CCTV footage from the hotel captured the moment three men forcibly attempted to drag Tarimo from the premises.
A viral video, widely shared on social media, showed two individuals attempting to overpower him, sparking public outrage.
Tarimo, known as “Deo Bonge,” managed to escape during the ordeal, an event deemed critical to the ongoing investigation.
