Eleven Arrested in Morogoro, Tanzania for Poaching; Teacher Detained for Rape Allegations
In Morogoro, Tanzania, eleven individuals were arrested for poaching and a teacher was taken in for allegedly raping a student. The poachers were caught with firearms and various wildlife products, while a driver was arrested for fuel theft and evidence destruction. Investigations are ongoing for both cases.
In Morogoro, Tanzania, authorities have detained eleven individuals linked to wildlife poaching within national parks. Additionally, a school teacher is in custody over rape allegations involving a 16-year-old student. The arrests took place during a police operation on March 14, 2025, led by regional police alongside wildlife rangers.
Commander Alex Mkama reported on March 20 that the poachers were caught with various firearms, including two shotguns and a single-barrel muzzleloader. The operation aimed to combat poaching activities and was successful in apprehending ten suspects equipped with illegal weapons.
The individuals arrested include Safari Tamba (23), Jacob Chigange (50), and others from the surrounding regions. Those apprehended were also in possession of over 200 rounds of ammunition, making equipment for bullets, and various wildlife products, including animal parts and arrows.
In an unrelated incident, police arrested Abubakar Mwichangwe (29) for allegedly burning a truck to destroy evidence of a fuel theft. He reportedly stole 35,700 liters of diesel valued at TZS 77.112 billion from Acer Logistics (T) during transportation on March 16, 2025.
Investigations surrounding both poaching and the fuel theft case are ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and build cases against the suspects involved.
The recent operations in Morogoro highlight ongoing efforts to combat wildlife poaching and address serious crimes such as sexual assault and theft. With multiple suspects in custody, the authorities are actively pursuing investigations to enforce the law and protect both wildlife and community safety.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
