Morogoro police have arrested eleven suspects for wildlife poaching and a teacher over rape charges. The poachers were found with firearms and illegal hunting tools. Additionally, a driver was arrested for allegedly conspiring to destroy evidence related to a fuel theft. Investigations are ongoing on both cases.
In a significant operation, Morogoro police apprehended eleven suspects linked to wildlife poaching within Tanzania’s national parks. This operation, conducted on March 14, 2025, was carried out in collaboration with wildlife rangers from Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa). The individuals were reportedly in possession of firearms, including shotguns and traditional weapons purportedly used for illegal hunting.
The Morogoro Regional Police Commander, Alex Mkama, provided details during a press briefing on March 20, highlighting that the special task force’s crackdown on poaching led to the seizure of firearms and various illegal hunting tools. “Our special task force, in collaboration with Tanapa officers, launched an extensive crackdown on poachers operating in national parks across Morogoro,” stated Mr. Mkama. The operation also yielded the confiscation of ammunition and equipment related to poaching.
The suspects have been identified, including Safari Tamba, Jacob Chigange, and Hussein Rashid, among others, who were found with a significant cache of ammunition and hunting materials such as duiker heads and porcupine quills. In a related case, police arrested a separate individual, Abubakar Mwichangwe, for alleged conspiracy to destroy evidence and fuel theft amounting to TZS 77.112 billion.
Ongoing investigations are being conducted into both the poaching activities and the fuel theft, as authorities seek to address these serious offenses against wildlife and property in the region. The police are expected to present the arrested individuals before the relevant judicial authorities once investigations conclude.
The recent arrests in Morogoro, Tanzania, highlight the ongoing efforts to combat wildlife poaching and related criminal activities. The cooperation between police and wildlife rangers demonstrates a commitment to protecting national parks. Additionally, the apprehension of a suspect involved in fuel theft underscores law enforcement’s broader efforts to tackle various forms of crime, reinforcing the need for ongoing vigilance and action against such offenses.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
