ANGELA BATULI, Kagera
The Government of Tanzania has intensified its fight against mineral smuggling after seizing various minerals worth more than TZS 3.3 billion in 55 separate incidents recorded between July 2025 and March this year.
The successful operations were carried out through joint efforts involving the Ministry of Minerals, the Tanzania Police Force, the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), Regional and District Security Committees, and other stakeholders in the mining sector.
The operations are aimed at curbing the illegal mineral trade and increasing government revenue.
Speaking to journalists in Bukoba during his visit to Kagera Region, Deputy Minister for Minerals, Dr. Steven Kiruswa, said the government is fully committed to ensuring that all minerals produced in the country are traded and transported in accordance with the law so they can contribute effectively to national economic growth.
"We have successfully seized minerals worth more than TZS 3.3 billion that were being transported illegally.These achievements are the result of strong cooperation between the government and stakeholders in the mining sector, with the goal of ensuring that Tanzania's mineral resources benefit all citizens," Dr. Kiruswa said.
He said that of the 55 incidents recorded between July and March this year, two took place in Kagera Region during June and July, resulting in the seizure of minerals valued at TZS 1.4 billion.
In the first incident, which took place on July 29 at around 9:00 p.m. in Benako, Ngara District, police intercepted a Toyota Carina with registration number T 990 BFW. A search of the vehicle uncovered 20 sacks containing gemstones. A subsequent search of the suspect's residence led to the discovery of additional gemstones that had been concealed.
According to Dr. Kiruswa, the minerals belonged to Petro Marco Kihiga, the holder of mineral broker's licence No. BL 0266LMB/2026, issued on May 25 this year.
The suspect had been authorized to transport only 273 grams of minerals from Lindi Region to Mwanza,
However, he was found in possession of 627.229 kilograms of gemstones valued at more than TZS 10.9 million. The government was also owed more than TZS 1 million in taxes.
"The suspect admitted the offence and paid the prescribed fine in accordance with the law," Dr. Kiruswa said.
In another incident, Dr. Kiruswa said police arrested a suspect on July 1 at around 1:00 p.m. while travelling on an International Transit (IT) bus in Benako. The suspect was found carrying 4,434.66 grams of gold worth more than TZS 1.3 billion.
He said the gold was being transported from Kahama to the Rusumo border with Rwanda without complying with legal procedures. The unpaid government taxes amounted to more than TZS 125.8 million.
Furthermore, on July 4, police arrested an alleged accomplice in possession of 20 gold bars weighing a total of 453 grams and valued at more than TZS 144.2 million. According to the government, unpaid taxes on the consignment exceeded TZS 12.6 million.
Dr. Kiruswa said both suspects have been arraigned before the court, and the case is ongoing. The government has withheld their identities to protect the integrity of investigations and court proceedings.
He urged miners, mineral buyers and traders to comply with all legal requirements governing the mining sector, warning that anyone found engaging in mineral smuggling would face stringent legal action, including prosecution for economic sabotage and money laundering.
"The Ministry of Minerals will continue providing education to all stakeholders to ensure they conduct their business in accordance with the law and avoid losses resulting from non-compliance," he said.
Meanwhile, Bukoba Municipal resident Venanti Simon commended the government for strengthening oversight of the mineral trade, saying the measures would help increase government revenue and safeguard the country's natural resources.
He urged miners and mineral traders to be patriotic by observing the law, obtaining the necessary licences and securing valid permits before transporting minerals.
"Today, all procedures are clear. There is no justification for taking shortcuts simply to evade taxes. The revenue collected by the government is what finances the construction of roads, hospitals, schools and other essential public infrastructure," Simon said.
The government reaffirmed that it will continue strengthening anti-smuggling operations in mining areas and along border points while encouraging members of the public to provide information that will help combat mineral-related crimes and ensure that the country's mineral resources benefit all Tanzanians.
