The Tanzania Police Force in Njombe Region has strongly refuted viral social media claims alleging that officers set a suspect on fire while attempting to recover a firearm, describing the reports as false and misleading.
In an official public notice issued on Wednesday, regional police authorities said the images and narratives circulating online do not represent any real incident in Njombe, stressing that no such event has occurred in the region.
The police explained that the viral content appears to falsely suggest that officers burned a motorcycle during a weapons seizure operation. However, they clarified that the information is fabricated and intended to mislead the public.
The Njombe Regional Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order through community policing initiatives, which focus on crime prevention, public safety, and strengthening cooperation between law enforcement and citizens.
Authorities also warned that spreading false information is a violation of national laws and can cause unnecessary panic, social tension, and erosion of public trust.
Investigations have been launched to identify individuals responsible for creating and disseminating the misleading content, with legal action expected to follow.
The police urged members of the public to rely on verified and official sources for accurate information and reaffirmed their dedication to protecting lives and property across the region.
