Police in Dar es Salaam have arrested 52 individuals for allegedly organising an unlawful assembly with the intent to cause public disorder, in an incident that occurred early Saturday morning in the Kibo area, Ubungo District.
According to a statement issued by the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police, the suspects were apprehended at around 5:30am after gathering in large numbers shortly after attending a service at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eastern Africa (KKAM).
While the religious service itself was conducted peacefully, authorities say a group of worshippers broke away and began demonstrating outside the church premises.
The group allegedly attempted to march onto a nearby major road used by high-speed traffic a move that police described as both dangerous and illegal.
“The gathering was not authorised and posed a threat to public safety,” the police said in the statement. “Their intention appeared to be to disrupt the normal flow of traffic and provoke public unrest.”
Investigations are ongoing, with all 52 suspects currently under interrogation. Police say further legal action will be taken upon completion of the investigations.
The statement warned that law enforcement will not tolerate any attempts to incite violence or unrest under any pretext, including religious gatherings.
“We wish to remind the public that no one is above the law. Any group intending to hold a gathering must first obtain legal clearance,” said the police.
Authorities emphasised that while the right to worship is protected, any acts that threaten public order, safety, or violate the country’s laws will be dealt with accordingly.
The incident comes amid increasing calls from security agencies for greater public compliance with laws governing assemblies and public gatherings, particularly in urban centres such as Dar es Salaam.
Local residents have been urged to remain calm and report any suspicious activities to nearby authorities, as the police continue to enforce measures aimed at safeguarding peace and stability.
The police reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order, and stressed that anyone found to be organising or engaging in disruptive activities would face the full force of the law.