.jpg)
Mbeya Regional Police have arrested several individuals over the past week in a series of operations targeting poaching, infrastructure sabotage, fraud, and drug-related crimes.
On August 17, police, working with TAWA Wildlife Officers from Mpanga Kipengele, arrested 49-year-old Frank Alon of Uyole Nsalaga, Mbeya City.
Alon was found in possession of eight elephant tusks weighing 31.6 kilograms without a permit. He was caught in Nsonyanga village, Mahongole ward, Mbarali District, transporting the tusks on a TVS motorcycle while seeking buyers. Investigations show Alon is an illegal hunter operating in national parks.
In another case, 32-year-old Ikupa Mwakibibi of Sae, Mbeya City, was arrested on August 18 for tampering with TANESCO electricity infrastructure.
Police recovered 19 meters of electricity cable, 45 TANESCO remote meters, and 25 rolls of wire, all stolen from the utility.
Police also detained nine people for online fraud using Facebook and WhatsApp. Four suspects, arrested in Nsalala, Usongwe Ward, were creating fake job links for a Dar es Salaam supermarket, tricking job seekers into sending money for application forms and uniforms.
Three more suspects in Mapelele Ward were caught selling fake products online. Confiscated items included multiple mobile phones and SIM cards used for the scams.
Meanwhile, 28-year-old entrepreneur Ester Kimaro of Nzovwe and 21-year-old Abdi Awadhi of Iyunga were arrested for running a Q Net investment scam, collecting funds from citizens under false pretenses. Police found 27 people actively contributing a total of TZS 44.435 million.
Further operations led to arrests over illegal alcohol and drugs. Agripa Godwini, 27, from Mikumi, and Kaiza Mwandambo, 54, from Kyela, were caught with 150 litres of illicit gongo alcohol.
Patrick Chamugwana, 48, a bus driver from Tanga, was apprehended with 10 kilograms of cannabis hidden in a bag while traveling from Mbeya to Dar es Salaam.
Mbeya Regional Police urge residents to avoid illegal activities, fraud, and misuse of social media. Citizens are encouraged to pursue lawful employment and remain vigilant against online scams.
