The Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with the public through sports, describing the initiative as a key pillar of community policing and crime prevention.
The commitment was reiterated on January 11, 2026, by the Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Muliro J. Muliro, during a friendly football match between police officers and football fans from Azam, Young Africans (Yanga) and Simba clubs, organized under the Tanzania Sport Influencer platform.
The match, held as part of community outreach activities, saw the police team secure a narrow 3–2 victory over the supporters’ side.
SACP Muliro later handed over the trophy to the winning police team, describing the encounter as more than just a game, but a platform for building trust and friendship between the police and the community.
Speaking at the event, SACP Muliro said sports programmes are strongly emphasized by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Camillus Wambura, due to their proven role in preventing crime and strengthening police–community relations.
“Within the Police Force systems, sports programmes are among the key initiatives that are strongly encouraged because of their significant contribution to crime prevention,” Muliro said.
“We implemented these programmes actively in the past, but along the way we were constrained by increasing constitutional and legal responsibilities. Now, we are reviving them to reinforce our partnership with the community.”he added
He noted that engaging football fans and young people through sports creates a friendly environment that encourages dialogue, cooperation and the sharing of information, which are essential elements in maintaining peace and security.
On his part, the Chairperson of Azam, Yanga and Simba supporters under the Tanzania Sport Influencer initiative, Mohamed Hamisi, popularly known as Dokta Moo, commended the Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone for responding positively to their request for collaboration.
He said the partnership, implemented through the “Restore Peace and Tranquility” festival, reflects the shared responsibility between the police and citizens in safeguarding peace at the community level.
“As part of the community, we have a responsibility to promote peace and calm in our neighborhoods,” Hamisi said.
“Sports unite people and provide a powerful platform to discourage violence and criminal behavior.”he added
The event drew football fans, police officers and community members, underscoring the growing use of sports as an effective tool for community engagement, peace-building and crime prevention in Dar es Salaam.