Police in Coast Region have dismissed renewed social media claims that six bodies were found floating in the Ruvu River, describing the reports as false and warning that those responsible for spreading the information could face legal action.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Coast Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Salim Morcase, said the force had launched investigations to establish the source of the claims, which have been circulating widely on social media platforms, particularly Instagram and Facebook.
The police intervention follows the re-emergence of a long-discredited story alleging that six bodies had been recovered from the Ruvu River in Bagamoyo District.
ACP Morcase said the claim was not new and had first surfaced nearly a decade ago.
“The information was initially circulated on December 21, 2016, and clarification was provided by the then Director of Criminal Investigations, Commissioner Robert Boaz.
The same claim resurfaced on social media on September 13, 2025, and was again refuted by the Coast Regional Police Force the following day,” he said.
Despite the previous clarifications, the claim reappeared online on June 8, 2026, prompting police to issue another public statement.
ACP Morcase said no bodies had been found in the river as alleged and urged the public to disregard the reports.
He warned that the continued circulation of false information could create unnecessary fear and anxiety among members of the public, adding that authorities would take firm action against individuals found responsible for originating or deliberately sharing the misinformation.
The police commander urged citizens to verify information through official channels before sharing it online, stressing the importance of responsible use of social media.
As investigations continue, police have reaffirmed that the reports are entirely false and have called on the public to remain calm and rely on credible sources of information.
