Seven youths have been arrested in Sumbawanga District, Rukwa Region, after spreading false claims that their genitals had been stolen allegations that sparked panic and led to an innocent man being attacked.
Rukwa Regional Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Shadrack Masija, said on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, that two of the suspects have already been arraigned and sentenced to six months in prison each.
The convictions follow a police operation conducted on April 6, 2026 to stop the unrest caused by the misleading claims.
The two convicted youths, Haruni William Mengo, 24, of Kalambazile, and Isack Simon Kaniki, 19, of Mshani Village, were found guilty by Kipeta Primary Court Magistrate Wiligisi Mbunda.
The court heard that the pair had falsely accused Issa Athuman Kidungwe, 56, a resident of Handeni in Tanga Region, of stealing their genitals.
The accusation triggered members of the public to attack Mr Kidungwe, leaving him with serious injuries.
“The two were taken to court, found guilty, and sentenced to serve six months in prison each,” Masija said, adding that the ruling was issued on April 8, 2026.
Five other suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. They include Geofrey Dominic, 24, and Jafari Nebart, 25, both of Kilangawana Village; Huruma Kasonso, 18, of Kilyamatundu; and Constantino Kiatu, 26, and Severino Ngonyani, 22, both residents of Sumbawanga. Police said legal steps are underway to bring them before the court.
Commander Masija called on citizens to avoid spreading rumours that can disturb public peace and urged the public not to take the law into their own hands.
He encouraged anyone with information about possible crimes or unrest to report promptly to the police.
“We urge the public to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. Spreading false claims or taking matters into your own hands creates unnecessary harm and endangers innocent lives,” Masija emphasized.
Authorities stressed that anyone found fabricating claims that incite violence will face strict legal consequences, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining peace and order in the community.
