The District Commissioner DC of Wanging’ombe, Zacharia Mwansasu, officially closed a 10-day Anti-Riot training for 60 Rapid Response Officers (RRT) of the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) at the Welela Training Centre in Njombe.
The training aimed to strengthen the officers’ skills in handling violent situations while protecting wildlife.
Mwansasu praised the officers for their discipline and professionalism during the exercises, which included tear gas deployment, searches, arrest procedures, and endurance drills.
He emphasized that the training, conducted in collaboration with the Tanzania Police Force, will help officers respond to threats using proportional force while respecting human rights.
“The government recognizes the risks that conservation officers face while protecting national resources, including injuries and even loss of life,” he said.
He also condemned attacks by some citizens on officers during duty and urged the public to respect wildlife laws and avoid illegal activities in protected areas.
The DC called on the graduates to use the skills gained to improve conservation practices and boost revenue through tourism.
He also commended TAWA management for organizing the training and encouraged continued collaboration with the Police Force to strengthen performance.
Representing TAWA’s Acting Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner for Corporate Services, Thabit Maarufu, thanked the government for supporting TAWA with resources that enhance the authority’s ability to execute its mandate.
He also expressed gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Camillus Wambura, for allowing police specialists to participate in the training, highlighting the strong partnership between law enforcement and conservation institutions.
Deputy Commissioner Maarufu said TAWA plans to expand training programs to include water rescue and swimming, upgrade facilities, and develop the Welela Training Centre into a national model for safety and conservation training.
Senior Assistant Commissioner Abraham Jullu acknowledged the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) for its support in building the RRT units’ capacity since 2015.
ACP Asel Mwampamba of the Police also praised TAWA for recognizing the Police Force’s contribution, noting that the partnership improves discipline, efficiency, and professionalism in wildlife protection.
WCS Ruaha Katavi Program Security Coordinator Stanley Mbilinyi said the organization is proud to support TAWA in developing Rapid Response Teams and building national capacity for effective conservation enforcement.