The Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone has moved to calm public concerns after an abandoned wooden box discovered at Mwenge bus stand in Kinondoni District sparked anxiety among commuters and residents.
The box was found in the early hours of August 6, 2026, at around 3:00am at the bus station serving passengers travelling to Tegeta.
It was locked with a padlock and wrapped with a piece of cloth, a situation that attracted public attention and raised speculation among people who gathered at the scene.
A team of police investigators responded to the incident and carried out an initial inspection before opening the box. Inside, they found a carved wooden object resembling a leg of an old-style wooden chair or bed.
Police said preliminary findings indicate that the object may be associated with superstitious practices or could have been placed intentionally to cause fear and uncertainty among members of the public.
The authority has urged citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading unconfirmed reports, saying investigations are ongoing to determine who abandoned the box and the motive behind the act.
The incident highlights the importance of public cooperation in reporting suspicious items to authorities to ensure timely response and maintain safety in communities.
