Eleven Arrested for Poaching in Tanzania; Teacher Detained Over Rape Allegations
Authorities in Morogoro, Tanzania, have arrested eleven individuals for wildlife poaching, alongside a school teacher accused of raping a minor. The poachers were found with firearms and evidence of illegal hunting, while the teacher is in custody pending allegations. Investigations are ongoing for both cases.
In Morogoro, Tanzania, eleven individuals have been apprehended for wildlife poaching, while a secondary school teacher is in custody facing allegations of raping a 16-year-old female student. The arrests were made following a special operation executed by police and wildlife rangers on March 14, 2025. The suspects were discovered with various firearms and weapons purportedly utilized in illegal hunting activities within national parks.
According to Morogoro Regional Police Commander Alex Mkama, the operation, a joint effort with officers from Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa), successfully led to the arrest of the poachers. They were found in possession of firearms, including two shotguns and a single-barrel muzzleloader. Commander Mkama stated, “Our special task force, in collaboration with Tanapa officers, launched an extensive crackdown on poachers…”
The individuals arrested include Safari Tamba, Jacob Chigange, Marthias Ndalu, and others, aged between 20 and 75, hailing from various regions. Authorities also discovered substantial ammunition and weapons, including 22 rounds of ammunition, bullet-making equipment, and items indicative of poaching, such as porcupine quills and bow and arrows.
In a related incident, police arrested Abubakar Mwichangwe, a 29-year-old driver, for conspiring to destroy evidence by burning a truck after stealing fuel. He allegedly stole 35,700 liters of diesel valued at TZS 77.112 billion, destined for the Democratic Republic of Congo, during transportation on March 16 in Morogoro. Investigations into all cases are currently ongoing.
The recent arrests in Morogoro highlight significant actions against wildlife poaching and allegations of serious crimes, such as rape and theft. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement and wildlife authorities aim to address these issues effectively. Ongoing investigations will determine the judicial outcome for the suspects involved in both cases, reinforcing the commitment to tackle crime in the region.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
