POLICE in Rukwa Region have apprehended a woman identified as Shangwe Lodrick (35), for illegal possession of a homemade gun ‘pistol’ and eight live shotgun bullets which allegedly have been used in criminal activities.
Also, the force seized six motorcycles which were stolen from proprietors and used for conducting criminal activities.
Speaking to journalists here on Thursday, Rukwa Regional Police Commander (RPC), Mr Shadrack Masija said the suspect was caught red handed in illegal possession of the homemade firearm and live bullets while she was at her house at Burudani Street at Bangwe area in Sumbawanga Municipality.
“Preliminary investigations show that the suspect was intending to use the home made firearm to ambush and steal money from petrol stations and mobile money shops,” added the RPC.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mr Masija went ahead to explain that the apprehension of the suspect was made possible following a tip off from law abiding citizens.
“Our officers acted swiftly as they rushed to the house of the suspect and searched it and subsequently seized the firearm and live bullets” added the RPC.
In another development, police officers have seized six motorcycles which were stolen from different parts of the region during a special operations held on July this year.
“Two stolen motorcycles have been identified by the owner while two suspects have been arraigned into court.
Four motorbikes are yet to be identified by the owners…. They are being kept at Sumbawanga Police Station waiting for identification,” added RPC Masija.
