Police in Dar es Salaam arrested 83 suspects linked to a range of criminal offences in July and announced a major crackdown on fraudsters amid growing concerns over an increase in scam-related activities across the city.
Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone Commander SACP Jumanne said the city's security situation remained generally stable, attributing the trend to cooperation between law enforcement agencies, security stakeholders and members of the public.
Addressing journalists on August 4, he said the suspects were arrested in connection with offences including armed robbery, burglary, theft, murder, rape, sodomy and drug trafficking.
Police are also investigating a case involving the seizure of 75 kilogrammes of skunk cannabis in Matumbi, Temeke District.
The commander said investigations were ongoing and warned that all individuals involved in the processing, transportation and distribution of the drugs would face legal action.
In separate operations, police dismantled networks allegedly involved in house break-ins, theft and the purchase of stolen property. Recovered items included mobile phones, television sets, motorcycles, laptops and radios.
Among those arrested was Mtanko Ebeniel, popularly known as “Mchina”, together with two other suspects from Mbezi in Ubungo District.
Police said they recovered seven television sets, 122 smartphones and specialised equipment allegedly used to unlock, erase and reinstall software on stolen phones before selling them on the market.
The police force also reported progress in the prosecution of criminal cases, with several suspects convicted and sentenced by the courts.
According to the commander, Albert Lisaliko of Kigamboni, Medson Mkumbo of Goba and Harun Mustafa of Mbagala Charambe were each sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted of sodomy offences.
In another case, Said Shaban of Mbezi Magufuli received a 30-year prison sentence for armed robbery.
Meanwhile, police expressed concern over a rise in fraudulent schemes involving fake deals in minerals, vehicles, land, agricultural produce and cargo transportation services.
Other reported scams include fraudulent loans secured using property documents belonging to unsuspecting individuals and pyramid-style investment schemes.
"The public should exercise caution and verify transactions before making payments or entering into agreements," SACP Jumanne said.
He said police had launched a special operation targeting fraud syndicates and warned that those found engaging in such activities would be prosecuted.
The commander thanked residents for their continued cooperation and urged them to keep sharing information that could help authorities prevent crime and strengthen security in Tanzania's commercial capital.
