Three residents of Ndoroboni Hamlet in Kiru Six Village have been arrested over alleged illegal electricity connections, as Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco) steps up efforts to curb power theft and meter fraud.
The arrests followed a joint operation by Tanesco and the Police Force to inspect electricity infrastructure and identify customers suspected of obtaining power through unauthorised connections.
Tanesco Manyara Public Relations Officer Samwel Mandar said the operation was part of an ongoing crackdown targeting illegal connections and tampering with electricity meters.
He said officials had identified meters suspected of being counterfeit and allegedly failing to accurately record electricity consumption.
Such practices, he said, could deny the utility legitimate revenue while also undermining efforts to maintain a reliable electricity supply.
Tanesco Manyara Revenue Control Unit Supervisor Maisha Mchuruza said preliminary findings showed that the suspects had been connected to the power network without following the utility's prescribed procedures.
She urged residents to apply for electricity connections through official Tanesco channels and warned against relying on individuals who promise to provide the service outside established procedures.
Some of the suspects reportedly told officials that they had paid money to a person who claimed to be a Tanesco employee and promised to connect them to the electricity network.
The suspects said they did not know that the connections were being made outside the utility's official procedures.
Ndoroboni Hamlet Chairperson Ramadhani Juma said he was unaware that the residents had obtained electricity through the alleged arrangement.
He urged residents to follow the proper procedures when seeking electricity connections and immediately report anyone claiming to represent Tanesco who demands money for the service.
Tanesco has urged the public to report suspected electricity theft, fraudulent connections and vandalism of its infrastructure, saying public cooperation is essential in protecting the power network and ensuring customers receive reliable services.
The arrests come as the utility continues to intensify inspections aimed at protecting its infrastructure, safeguarding revenue and discouraging illegal electricity use.