Police impound smuggled ‘Vitenge’ worth 21m/-

POLICE in Rukwa Region have impounded a saloon car (Mark X) and seized 710 pairs of vitenge valued over 21m/- that were being smuggled into the country from the neighbouring country.

The impounded medium-sized sedan with registration numbers T 391 DGW is owned by Ms Caroline Salua residing in Dar es Salaam.

Briefing reporters on various incidents over the weekend here in the municipality, Rukwa Regional Police Commander (RPC) Mr Shadrack Masija said the impounded car and the seized 710 pairs of vitenge material were handed over to the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Sumbawanga office for further legal actions.

The regional police boss, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Masija confirmed the incident, saying the impounding of the car was made possible following a tip off from law abiding citizens.

‘The driver of the car disappeared from the scene of the incident after spotting our officers. He simply abandoned the car which was carrying a single passenger identified as Frank Mwigaga (24), a resident of Tunduma Township in Songwe Region,” said the RPC.

“He was questioned by officers who satisfied themselves that he was innocent,” added the RPC.

He further explained that officers have mounted manhunt for the fugitive driver who is still at large.