Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Mainland Tanzania Premier League giants Young Africans (Yanga) have formally written to the Competition Management Committee of the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) requesting clarification on five critical issues that the club says have created confusion and concern among its officials, players, and supporters.

Yanga’s Information and Communications Officer, Ally Kamwe, revealed that the first issue relates to the punishment handed to Simba striker Selemani Mwalimu, who received a three-match suspension after elbowing a Dodoma Jiji player. Yanga contends that the committee applied Regulation 41:5 (5.2) to determine the punishment, resulting in a three-match ban.

However, the club argues that Regulation 41:21 should have been applied instead, which would have led to a five-match suspension, suggesting a perceived inconsistency in the enforcement of disciplinary rules. The second concern raised by the club addresses the delay in issuing the committee’s decision regarding the Selemani Mwalimu case.

Yanga argues that timely rulings are essential to maintain the integrity and transparency of league competitions. Thirdly, Yanga has sought clarification on the inconsistent disciplinary measures applied to two assistant referees in a match between Yanga and Simba.

Both referees allegedly failed to correctly interpret the offside rule, yet Yanga claims they were treated differently, raising questions about fairness and consistency in officiating. The fourth issue involves a statement by TPLB suggesting that an assistant referee wrongly disallowed a legitimate goal by Simba, which Yanga says contradicts FIFA’s laws and international football guidelines.

Kamwe explained: “According to FIFA laws, a valid goal is only one approved by the centre referee. No committee or regulation has the authority to declare a goal legitimate if the centre referee did not approve it.

The statement claiming Simba were denied a legitimate goal has caused public confusion.” The fifth point of concern is the lack of punishment for the assistant referee who allowed Simba’s second goal against KMC, which Yanga claims was offside.

Responding to the letter, TPLB Information Officer Karim Boimanda said the board will follow established procedures, noting that clubs may seek clarification from the committee directly. According to Regulation 27(6) of the Mainland Premier League rules, the Competition Management Committee’s decisions are final and not subject to appeal to any other TFF decision-making body.

This correspondence underscores ongoing tensions between clubs and the league’s disciplinary and refereeing committees, highlighting the importance of transparency, consistency, and adherence to both local and international football regulations. .

Arusha. The East African Community (EAC) has taken its regional peace and security agenda to the continental stage, seeking the support of the African Union (AU) to address persistent conflicts affecting parts of the region, particularly eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Speaking to journalists in Arusha on Friday, EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva said the move forms part of a broader strategy aimed at ensuring a stable and secure East African region capable of advancing economic growth and regional integration. Responding to a question on efforts by the regional bloc to ensure security and stability among partner states, Ms Nduva said under the leadership of Kenya’s President William Ruto, who currently chairs the EAC, the eastern DRC conflict has been tabled within the AU framework, allowing African leaders to collectively deliberate on sustainable pathways to restore peace in the troubled region.

Ms Nduva explained that the EAC intensified its peace efforts in early 2025 when the bloc convened consultations to identify urgent measures to address conflicts that continue to undermine stability and economic progress in some member states. The consultations culminated in joint meetings of regional heads of state, paving the way for the establishment of a formal peace process and the appointment of international mediators to spearhead reconciliation efforts.

“International partners are now also actively participating in the process, demonstrating that this is a comprehensive strategy involving multiple institutions, regional bodies and global stakeholders,” she said. She noted that the situation in eastern DRC has also been discussed within the AU Peace and Security Council, which convened a special session to examine the crisis alongside other security challenges facing the continent.

Ms Nduva emphasised that under the AU framework, regional economic communities such as the EAC are assigned specific responsibilities in managing conflicts within their respective regions. “As such, even when the EAC does not appear to be directly leading certain initiatives, it remains actively engaged through a coordinated division of responsibilities among regional actors,” she said.

She added that some EAC partner states, notably the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, continue to face localised conflicts that have slowed economic development and regional stability. To address the challenge, the EAC has been working closely with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to coordinate joint peace initiatives aimed at stabilising the region.

Under the Nairobi peace process, several former African leaders have been appointed to spearhead mediation efforts, including former Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Nigeria President Olusegun Obasanjo, former South Africa President Kgalema Motlanthe, former Ethiopia Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, former Central African Republic President Catherine Samba-Panza, former Ethiopia President Sahle-Work Zewde and former Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi. The mediation efforts are supported by regional leaders including EAC Chairperson William Ruto of Kenya, Angola’s President JoaPound o Lourenao–who oversees the Luanda peace process–Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

According to Ms Nduva, the joint EACSADC framework seeks to harmonise the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes, halt hostilities in north-eastern DRC, disarm militia groups and facilitate diplomatic dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda. She said peace and security remain fundamental pillars for regional development, noting that without stability, efforts towards regional cooperation and integration cannot succeed.

.

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is exploring closer cooperation with the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) as part of efforts to strengthen scientific research, environmental conservation and climate change response.

The move was discussed during a meeting held on March 6, 2026, in Dar es Salaam between the Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Richard Muyungi, and a visiting delegation from SASSCAL. The delegation visited Tanzania to introduce the centre’s work and present a proposal for collaboration between SASSCAL and the Government of Tanzania.

During the meeting, the chairperson of SASSCAL’s board, Gabriel Miguel, provided an overview of the institution, outlining its structure, key activities and projects currently being implemented across member countries. Prof Miguel explained that the centre focuses on supporting member states through scientific research and knowledge sharing in areas such as climate change, sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation and renewable energy.

He also highlighted the procedures for joining the centre’s network and the opportunities available to member countries. “The centre has conducted research on conservation agriculture, biodiversity, ecosystems and renewable energy, and ensures that the results of these studies are reflected in development plans within member countries,” said Prof Miguel.

According to Prof Miguel, SASSCAL also prioritises capacity building by supporting technical training,infrastructure development and higher education programmes aimed at strengthening expertise in environmental and climate-related fields within member states. He added that the centre works closely with governments, environmental organisations, industry partners and regional institutions to ensure that research outcomes support policy development and sustainable development initiatives.

On his part, Dr Muyungi thanked the delegation for visiting Tanzania and acknowledged the centre’s role in supporting efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable environmental management. He said the government is interested in joining the centre and emphasised the importance of identifying priority areas of cooperation that align with Tanzania’s development goals.

“We appreciate this visit aimed at strengthening the scope of cooperation in the field of science. This is very important for Tanzania, especially as we move towards the implementation of the NationalDevelopment Vision 2050,” said Dr Muyungi.

Dr Muyungi also recommended the formation of a joint team of experts from both sides to further examine the potential benefits and technical aspects of Tanzania joining the institution. SASSCAL is a regional research organisation that focuses on climate change, environmental assessment and sustainable land management.

Its current member countries include Angola, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. .

A recent edition of the huge Nairobi daily that commands a sizeable readership in Bongo has, in its Buzz pullout, an interview article entitled, ‘I paid Sh17 million for my husband.’ Responding to a question from the scribbler, the respondent is purported to have said, among other things: “The sound equipment costs about Sh10 million and the media equipment another Sh15 million.

Then there are salaries for 20 STAFF” Twenty staff? We don’t count one, twotwenty staff. The reason is, the noun “staff” refers to ALL the people employed by a particular organisation.

Which is to say, our colleague could have recorded his respondent as talking about: 20 employees; a staff of 20 or 20 members of staff. Bongo’s senior-most broadsheet of Saturday, February 21, has a story on 3 entitled, ‘Austria injects 15bn/- into Agro SMEs’ and therein, the scribbler writes in column 6: “Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Ambassador to Turkey, Ambassador Iddi Seif Bakari held talks with a delegation from the United Nations Technology Bank for the Least Developed Country” Our question here is: why utter the title “ambassador” twice in reference to the same official? That’s entertaining monotony.

So, here’s our suggested remedy: “Tanzania’s Ambassador to Turkey Iddi Seif Bakari” Let’s now take a look at Bongo’s huge and colourful broadsheet of Tuesday, February 24, whose Page 5 has a story entitled, ‘Government defends removal of traders from Stone Town.’ For his intro, the scribbler writes: “Tanzania’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has defended the removal of small scale traders from parts of Stone Town, insisting that the action is lawful and necessary to safeguard the HISTORIC site’s heritage status.

” Historic site? Nope, Siree! Stone town is a HISTORICAL site. It’s a place that carries memories of where we came from.

“Historic” is an adjective that refers to what’s taking place now and it’s likely to be remembered for years to come, inshallah. In Para 3, the scribbler writes on–and we quote him in part: “Paje Representative Haku Hashim Ayoub sought clarification on why small traders APPEARED TO BE REMOVED or restricted from operating within Stone Town” The phrase we’ve reproduced in capitals is nonsensical, which makes us conclude that the scribbler meant to say: “why small traders ARE BEING REMOVED.

” On the same page, there’s another story whose headline reads, ‘Shoddy work: Minister issues stern warning to Shinyanga contractors.’ In his story, the scribbler reports the honourable minister as warning contractors that authorities won’t stomach any contractor “wasting or playing around with government funds.

He then “quotes” the minister as saying: “Play with monkeys, reap the thorns.” Duh! Our assumption is, the Hon minister, who delivered his stern warning in the national language, used the popular Kiswahili proverb, “Ukicheka na nyani, utavuna mabua.

” English for this one, we can confidently propose, is: “If you fool around with monkeys, you’ll reap maize stalks.” We’ll wind up by dishing out gems from the tabloid closely associated with this columnist, whose Page 2 has a story entitled, ‘Crisis in EAC finances triggers scrutiny non-paying states.

‘ Writes the scribbler in Para 2: “A February 24 LICKED internal memo signed by the Eala Assembly Clerkwarns of dire liquidity challenges that have made it difficult to pay February 2026 salaries” What’s “licked” internal memo? It’s means nothing. The scribbler obviously meant to write: LEAKED internal memo.

In the same paragraph, the scribbler writes: “Parliamentary activities have SLOWED while Members of the Assembly have gone months without allowances.” Do activities slow? No; they slow DOWN.

Then, reports the scribbler: “Tanzania and Kenya have paid their full contributions for the 2025/26 financial yearRwanda has paid about 25 per cent DESPITE remitting $875,000 in February.” Despite? No; the preposition “despite” has been misused.

The correct one is “after”–has paid about 25 per cent AFTER remitting” Ah, this treacherous language called English. .

Bongo has come a long way. From the early post-independence days when a beer cost Sh2.50 yes, two shillings.

Shilingi mbili! Wabongo who were born in the 1990s and beyond may sigh in disbelief if you told them there was a period when beer was categorised as a rare commodity. Bidhaa adimu! Old geezers of Wa Muyanza’s generation will recall how in some bars a drinker was made to buy a couple of mishikaki to qualify for, say, two beers! Our Gen Zs and even some millennials might not comprehend the historical truth that there was a period in the post-Kagera War (April 1979) when one couldn’t drink as much beer as one wished, even when one’s wallets had enough cash to buy a crate.

Reason? Bia zimeisha! Those of us in the public sector, who depended on monthly wages, could only enjoy a beer at month-ends. We didn’t have side hustles like it’s common today when anyone is free to moonlight as much as he can, without the fear of being branded a bepari.

Remember the maxim, ‘ubepari ni unyama’? Amassing wealth is the preserve of creatures of the wild! We were a socialist country, you know! Wajamaa. Clever fellows in the private sector were free to do anything for an extra dime, and some actually earned sizeable amounts of cash and could drink as much as they wanted even when beer prices were illegally hiked.

Bia za mwendo wa kuruka, or bia za magahamu. Having finished Form 4, my cousin Zeal got a job in the private sector almost immediately and was “enjoying life” while I did my A-Levels, much as we were age-mates.

Even after acquiring my post-Form 6 diploma and getting a job in the civil service, earning the then reasonable pay of Sh960 (yes, shilingi mia tisa na sitini!), Zeal continued to stand head and shoulders above me in terms of liquidity. One day when I revealed to him what my good monthly pay was, he laughed and said, “That’s the kind of money I often spend on an outing with friends!” Friends.

That’s the key word that defined my brother Zeal (aka Papa) whenever his pockets were lined, which was often. And, in the yesteryear when streetwise fellows ruled the roost, Papa Zeal believed in having lots of friends around him.

He never liked “eating alone”. I’d watch with envy at the way his friends would welcome him with jubilation upon his return from an upcountry working trip (he was then a partner in a clearing and forwarding outfit).

“Papa, we’ve been slowly dying of thirst during your absenceyou’re our Rockefeller. Welcome back, Papa,” said this lanky fellow one day as he strutted behind Zeal like a bodyguard.

With his ego ballooned like that, everybody in his crowd, at times with girlfriends in tow, were sure to eat and drink to their fill on his bill. He was an easygoing fellow, too easygoing, one can say and that could have been his undoing.

One younger bro tells of a day Zeal invited him for drinks and nyama-choma, for which he settled a bill of about 20k. Then as they parted, the younger bro got the shock of his life when Zeal begged him for “at least two thou” for his fare! The jolly, life-loving clansman returned to his Maker on February 20, following a long battle with complications associated with diabetes and a bad heart condition.

He was 72. Rest in peace, dear brother Zeal, aka Papa, till we meet again in the afterlife. .

Arusha. Heads of State of the East African Community (EAC) are expected to convene in Arusha on Saturday, March 7, 2026 for the 25th Ordinary Summit, a crucial meeting that comes at a time when the regional bloc faces mounting financial pressure and growing debate over the sustainability of its institutions.

At the centre of the discussions is how the eight-member Community will address persistent funding gaps and strengthen the operational capacity of its institutions. As the region grapples with these challenges, Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to the integration agenda, positioning itself as a key supporter of efforts aimed at stabilising and advancing the bloc.

Hosting the summit and a series of preparatory meetings at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania has emphasised that regional integration remains a strategic national priority linked to economic transformation, trade facilitation and diplomatic cooperation. “The United Republic of Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing East African Community integration by hosting and actively participating in a series of high-level preparatory meetings at the EAC Headquarters in Arusha,” the government said in a statement ahead of the summit.

The high-level meeting follows weeks of consultations within the Community, which began earlier this month with technical experts reviewing key policy issues affecting the bloc. The process began with meetings at the experts’ level from March 2 to 3, followed by a gathering of permanent secretaries responsible for regional integration on March 4.

These deliberations culminated in the 59th Extraordinary Meeting of the EAC Council of Ministers held on March 5 in Arusha. Through these consultations, partner states reviewed technical reports and refined recommendations before forwarding them to the Heads of State for final consideration.

According to the statement, the structured consultations were intended to ensure that the summit agenda submitted to leaders is “coherent, actionable and responsive to the Community’s current priorities”. The discussions come at a time when concerns have been raised across the region about the financial health of the Community, particularly following delays in member state contributions and operational challenges facing the EAC Secretariat.

Earlier this year, lawmakers in several partner states, including Tanzania, questioned the sustainability of the bloc’s programmes if funding challenges were not urgently addressed. The concerns prompted urgent consultations within the Community and the convening of high-level meetings to seek solutions.

Opening the ministerial meeting in Arusha, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for East African Community Affairs, ASALs and Regional Development, Beatrice Askul Moe, said the summit would provide an opportunity for leaders to chart a new course for the bloc. “The prepared agenda is expected to provide fresh direction in addressing key challenges facing the Community, including the shortage of financial resources to run the EAC Secretariat’s activities and staffing gaps,” she said.

She also called on partner states to maintain solidarity, noting that regional cooperation has helped countries navigate global economic shocks, including rising prices of essential commodities such as food. Earlier discussions at the level of permanent secretaries also underscored the need to strengthen strategies that sustain the region’s integration momentum.

Chairing that meeting, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for the State Department for East African Community Affairs, Caroline W. Karugu, said the Community has continued to register notable development gains in facilitating economic activity.

“The Community has continued to register significant development progress while prioritising the welfare of its people by facilitating economic activities, including trade and investment,” she said. However, she noted that partner states must continue identifying and implementing strategies to address emerging challenges that could hinder the implementation of EAC programmes.

For Tanzania, participation in the preparatory process has been robust across all levels of the discussions, reflecting the country’s strong backing of the regional integration agenda. At the experts’ level, Tanzania’s delegation was led by Mr Benjamin Mwesiga, Director for Trade, Investment and Productive Sectors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, alongside representatives from key government institutions including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Office of the Attorney General.

At the permanent secretaries’ level, the delegation was led by Ambassador Stephen P. Mbundi, Permanent Secretary responsible for East African affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.

At the ministerial level, Tanzania’s team was led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, accompanied by senior government officials including deputy ministers from the finance, public service and industry portfolios. Officials say Tanzania’s active participation underscores the country’s view that the success of the EAC should be measured through tangible outcomes, including stronger financing for Community institutions, reduced trade barriers and faster implementation of agreed decisions.

Among the key agenda items expected before the Heads of State today are progress in implementing the EAC Common Market Protocol, the removal of non-tariff barriers and agreement on a sustainable formula for member states’ financial contributions. Leaders will also consider the launch of the Seventh EAC Development Strategy for the period 2026/272030/31, which is expected to guide the region’s economic development priorities in the coming years.

Other issues expected to feature prominently include the appointment of the next EAC Secretary General, the renewal of the agreement on deputy secretaries-general, and the appointment of judges to the East African Court of Justice. With the EAC now comprising Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia, the regional bloc represents more than 300 million people and a combined gross domestic product estimated at over $300 billion.

As leaders gather in Arusha, Tanzania has reiterated its readiness to support decisions that will strengthen the Community and accelerate integration across East Africa. “As host of these critical meetings and the forthcoming summit, Tanzania continues to provide the full facilitation and diplomatic support required to ensure that the 25th EAC Heads of State Summit delivers decisions that accelerate integration and advance shared prosperity across East Africa,” the statement said.

.

Tanzanian youngster Barka Seif has continued to raise the country’s flag high in Spain after being selected for the Catalonia Football Federation’s (FCF) Under-12 Best XI. Barka, who plays for Damm FC, has been included in a prestigious list of young talents drawn from top clubs such as FC Barcelona, Espanyol and Girona.

The youngster earned the recognition after an impressive performance in the youth league, where he scored 18 goals in just 20 matches. His achievement makes him the first Tanzanian player to be selected for the elite youth squad.

Barka will feature alongside other highly rated talents from La Masia, Barcelona’s renowned youth academy, including Teo Rodriguez and Mauro Artigot. The selected players are now set to enter a training camp as they prepare for a special Catalonia youth development tournament.

The milestone marks another significant step for youth football in Tanzania. .

Dar es Salaam. Women have been advised to clearly understand the purpose of taking a loan before borrowing, with experts noting that credit should be used as a tool for economic advancement rather than consumption.

CRDB Bank Business Development Manager Mary Mponda made the remarks on Friday March 6, 2026 during a breakfast meeting organised by CRDB Bank in collaboration with Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) to mark International Women’s Day. Speaking at the event, Ms Mponda emphasised that borrowing should always be guided by a clear plan and a well-defined objective.

“A loan is not something you take simply to buy furniture. You must know exactly why you are borrowing,” she said.

“It is also important to borrow from institutions that are transparent and capable of guiding you on how the loan should be used, your ability to repay and how to manage it properly. That is why banks often provide financial education to help borrowers understand how to use loans responsibly and repay them,” she added.

Ms Mponda also urged women to carefully examine the interest rates attached to loans before committing themselves. “It is important to clearly understand the interest rate being offered.

In banks, you may be told the rate is about 20 percent, but that is usually calculated annually,” she explained. “However, some informal lenders may say the rate is four percent without clearly stating whether it is charged monthly or annually.

When calculated, such loans can cost as much as 48 percent per year, meaning a borrower could pay up to Sh1 million in interest within a year.” She further warned against borrowing from lenders operating outside the regulatory framework of the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), noting that such arrangements could expose borrowers to high risks and unfair lending terms.

Ms Mponda also encouraged women to cultivate the habit of tracking their monthly expenses in order to manage their finances more effectively. According to her, keeping a record of monthly expenditures helps individuals determine how much income should be allocated to savings, household needs and contributions to community or social groups.

.

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa) has warned that heavy rains across the country, including in national parks, have caused major damage to road infrastructure and river crossings in the Serengeti National Park.

In a statement on Friday, March 6, 2026, Tanapa Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Communications, Ms Catherine Mbena, said several bridges and crossings had been destroyed, leaving some areas unsafe and difficult to access. She advised visitors planning trips to the Serengeti to postpone their journeys until inspections are completed and damaged infrastructure is repaired.

Drivers and tourists already inside the park were urged to exercise caution, follow instructions from park rangers, and avoid crossing rivers with high water levels. “Tanapa is continuing to assess the extent of the damage while preparing urgent repairs to restore affected infrastructure,” the statement said.

Tanapa is a cornerstone of Tanzania’s tourism industry, managing 21 national parks that cover roughly 15 percent of the country’s land. The authority ensures biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism development while contributing significantly to economic growth through tourism revenue, infrastructure development, and international promotion.

Tourism revenue has recently surged, with a 94 percent increase recorded, reflecting the sector’s recovery and its contribution to national income during the 2023/2024 fiscal year. Tanapa promotes low-impact visitation to protect ecosystems, preserving the natural beauty that attracts tourists to iconic sites such as the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro.

The authority develops and maintains tourist facilities, including roads, airstrips, and accommodation within the parks, to enhance visitor experiences. Beyond traditional game drives, Tanapa has introduced new offerings such as walking safaris, bird watching, and specialised activities to diversify experiences.

Tanapa actively promotes both domestic and international tourism, working with partners such as the Tanzania Tourist Board. Initiatives like ‘The Royal Tour’ showcase Tanzania’s attractions, while efforts to encourage domestic tourism include more accessible and affordable facilities.

The authority also collaborates with partners, including the Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (Zati), to align marketing strategies and strengthen ties between mainland wildlife tourism and Zanzibar’s beach tourism. By safeguarding ecosystems and improving visitor services, Tanapa continues to ensure Tanzania’s natural treasures remain a sustainable source of revenue and global appeal.

.

Morogoro. The Morogoro Regional Police have dismantled a mobile phone fraud network, commonly known as halohalo, after arresting 10 suspects.

During the operation, officers seized 198 SIM cards and 148 bank cards linked to various financial institutions. The suspects were apprehended on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, during a special operation in Magoha Hamlet, Lumemo Ward, Ifakara Town, Kilombero District.

Morogoro Regional Police Commander (RPC) Alex Mkama told journalists on Thursday, March 5, that seven suspects were found with 110 SIM cards from different networks. “The SIM cards were registered under other people’s names and used to call citizens to defraud them,” he explained.

The regional police chief identified the suspects as Cassian Liganga (28), Juma Fay (25), Halid Mwanzage (24), Amord Udindo (21), Mjelwa Mjelwa (22), Moses Litaka (21), and Michael Mboga (22), all residents of Lumemo in Kilombero. “During our search, officers also arrested an agent who registers SIM cards and a resident of Mnalani in KilomberoAmani Mwakipesile (26), found with 88 SIM cards registered under different names, which he sold to criminals involved in fraud,” said Commander Mkama.

He named the other suspects as a resident of Mlabani, Patrick Godfrey (22), and Fredrick Ngwasi, popularly known as Chepe (32), who had long been wanted for involvement in mobile phone fraud cases. According to RPC Mkama, the suspects are accused of defrauding victims of more than Sh12 million in Mbagala, Dar es Salaam, using fraudulent phone schemes.

In a separate development, police arrested a resident of Ruaha in Kilosa, Nyamhanga Marwa (28), in possession of 148 bank cards registered under different names. The cards are alleged to have been used to access victims’ accounts and withdraw money illegally.

Commander Mkama said investigations are ongoing to identify other accomplices in the network and bring them to justice. He added that initial inquiries revealed the victims were mainly food crop traders from Dar es Salaam, Coast, Dodoma, Mwanza, Tanga, and Zanzibar.

Given the situation, he urged the public to exercise caution when conducting financial transactions via mobile phones and to avoid sending money to unknown persons. “Online fraud knows no boundaries and can be carried out from anywhere in the world, so citizens must take precautions to avoid falling into the hands of scammers,” emphasised Commander Mkama.

.