Police in Dar es Salaam have intensified a crackdown on motorcycle riders accused of attacking motorists and damaging vehicles following road accidents, warning that those taking the law into their own hands will face legal action.
The warning follows a fatal accident on Wednesday morning, August 19, 2026, along Kilwa Road in Mivinjeni, Temeke District, which claimed two lives and left another person injured.
According to the Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone, the accident occurred at about 3:45am when a DAF truck, registration number T 945 CBG, pulling trailer T 749 BBP, collided with a Boxer motorcycle, registration number MC 851 FJP.
The truck was travelling from Uhasibu towards Bendera Tatu when it collided with the motorcycle, which was carrying two passengers.
Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the motorcycle rider, Msichoke Mohamed, also known as Mnyige, moved from a service road onto Kilwa Road without taking adequate precautions or giving due consideration to other road users.
Msichoke, a resident of Chamazi, died in the accident alongside George Luis Nyantora, a businessman from Mbagala Zakhem, Dar es Salaam.
Another passenger, William Ashery, also known as Tumbo, an entrepreneur from Mwanza, was injured.
However, the accident was followed by another incident after a group of motorcycle riders allegedly gathered at the scene and set fire to the front section of the truck.
The police have described such acts as criminal, stressing that road accidents should not be used as a justification for attacking motorists, destroying property or stealing from vehicles.
The Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone said it would continue taking strong legal action against suspects involved in such incidents and ensure that those arrested are taken through the appropriate legal processes.
The crackdown follows a series of similar incidents reported in different parts of the city, including Mbopo-Mabwepande, Bunju B, Tegeta, Kunduchi, Kimara and Magomeni Kanisani.
Police said 18 suspects have already been arrested, while 23 motorcycles have been recovered or impounded, including some allegedly abandoned by riders who fled after the incidents.
In one of the cases, police identified Ally Abdallah, 44, a radiator mechanic and bodaboda rider, as one of the suspects allegedly involved in an attack on August 15.
Police said Abdallah and others allegedly attacked a black Toyota Harrier, registration number T 333 EMR, after one of the riders was involved in an accident.
A large stone was allegedly used to smash the vehicle's rear windscreen, causing extensive damage and leaving the occupant fearful.
The police said the incidents point to a worrying pattern in which some motorcycle riders allegedly become involved in accidents and then mobilise others to attack motorists or destroy vehicles.
The force has urged bodaboda riders to stop taking the law into their own hands, warning that participation in violence or destruction of property could expose them to serious criminal charges.
Police also appealed to responsible riders and members of the public to avoid mob justice and instead allow investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding road accidents.
The force said all road users have a responsibility to protect lives, respect the law and allow authorities to handle disputes arising from accidents through established legal procedures.
