GEITA – Police in Geita have confirmed the arrest of 250 people for unlawful entering into the country and working without permits. 

Geita Regional Police Commander, Safia Jongo told reporters in the region that the arrest was made as part of the ongoing operation on illegal immigrants. The Police said they spotted the suspects at artisanal and small-scale gold mining sites in the area.

“They are turning these sites into their hideouts. I can assure you we will not stop as it is our duty to ensure security and safety of people and their properties,” Jongo said during a gathering at   Isanjabadugu village in Geita’s Mbogwe district.

ALSO READ: Tanzania’s President wants police to use AI to catch criminals

He said the Police in Geita in collaboration with other authorities, will conduct a resident registration campaign across all the mines to determine legitimacy of each individual at the site.

“I am here to alert each and everyone of you to be informed of this exercise. We will be here for one single exercise, determining our identity and what we’re doing at the site,” he noted.

The regional police chief urged the residents to be careful with the type of visitors they receive and report their suspicion to authorities.

The police cautioned that the country is heading towards the local government election and later the general election saying authorities will be at work to ensure maximum security and peaceful election process.

“It is the responsibility of Tanzanians to uphold peace … we need to ensure we remain a peaceful country,” she added.