By Our Reporter
The Kivukoni Resident Magistrate’s Court in Kinondoni has issued a stern warning against the growing trend of criminal impersonation after sentencing four men, including two boxers, to seven years in jail for attempting to kidnap businessman Deogratius Tarimo while posing as police officers.
Delivering the verdict, Principal Resident Magistrate Ramadhani Rugemalira said the punishment should serve as a deterrent to others who misuse the identity of security officers to commit crimes that endanger public trust.
“This sentence sends a clear message that the justice system will not tolerate individuals who exploit public fear and damage the image of legitimate law enforcement agencies,” he said.
The convicted individuals Fredrick Nsato (21), a resident of Kibamba; Isaack Mwaifuani (29), a resident of Kimara; Benki Mwakalebela (40); and Bato Twelve (32), a resident of Kimara Bonyokwa were found guilty of attempting to abduct the businessman on November 11, 2024, at Kiluvya Madukani in Ubungo District.
The court heard that the four approached the victim pretending to be police officers from Gogoni Police Station, intending to unlawfully detain him. They were first arraigned on December 6, 2024, and denied the charges.
Senior State Attorney Daisy Makakala told the court that such criminal acts had become increasingly common and were unfairly tarnishing the image of the Tanzania Police Force.
“I urge the court to impose a tough sentence to show that those involved in abductions and impersonation are ordinary criminals, not police officers,” she said.
In mitigation, the convicts asked for leniency, claiming they acted out of personal motives after one of them suspected the victim of having an affair with his wife.
After reviewing the evidence, the court concluded that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted all four.
The ruling has sparked online discussions, with many citizens commending the court for acting firmly against acts of impersonation that threaten public confidence in security institutions.