By Alfred Zacharia
Thirteen individuals have been charged with economic sabotage, including the theft of copper wires from the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), and appeared before two separate residential magistrate courts.
Railway Police Commander Gallus Hyera briefed journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday, revealing that stolen copper wires had been recovered from various locations.
He explained that the suspects include individuals from China, Kenya, and Tanzania, some of whom were employed by the Turkish railway construction company, Yapi Merkez.
Eight of the suspects were presented before the Kibaha Resident Magistrate’s Court in the Coast Region, while the remaining five were arraigned at the Kinondoni Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam, all facing similar charges of economic sabotage.
Commander Hyera explained that the arrests followed thorough intelligence operations, which enabled authorities to recover stolen wires and other railway infrastructure materials.
Among the arrested was an electrical technician employed by Yapi Merkez, who is accused of cutting and stealing the wires.
The police also arrested individuals linked to African Light Investment Company, based in Visiga, Mlandizi District. The company, reportedly owned by individuals from China and Kenya, was found in possession of 882 kilograms of copper wires belonging to the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC).
“I warn anyone planning to sabotage the SGR and other electric infrastructure that stern measures will be taken against them,” Commander Hyera warned.
He further urged the community to actively protect railway infrastructure and report any acts of vandalism or criminal activities.
This comes a month after police in Dodoma Region arrested six individuals for allegedly damaging and stealing copper wires from the SGR infrastructure in Mpwapwa and Bahi districts.
Dodoma Regional Police Commander George Katabazi confirmed the arrests, detailing the incidents.
In Mpwapwa District, two suspects, Said Sempinga (39) and Michael Robert (44), both from Kilosa, were apprehended for damaging SGR infrastructure on October 3, 2024. The suspects were allegedly involved in cutting and stealing copper wires from three railway bridges in Msagali Village.
Following the incident, the police launched an investigation, working closely with the community, which led to the timely arrest of the suspects. The stolen wires were recovered, and the investigation is ongoing.
In another incident on October 8, 2024, four more suspects—Said Kapambwe (38), Petro Yassi (22), Michael Leyaseki (27), and Issa Misami (42)—were arrested in Bahi District for attempting to sabotage the SGR infrastructure. They were apprehended at different times in Bahi market.