Eleven Arrested for Poaching and Teacher Held Over Rape Allegations in Tanzania

Eleven suspects have been arrested in Morogoro, Tanzania for poaching activities within national parks, while a school teacher faces arrest over allegations of raping a 16-year-old student. Various firearms and illegal hunting tools were seized in the operation. Additionally, a driver was detained for allegedly stealing diesel and covering up evidence by arson.

In Morogoro, Tanzania, eleven individuals have been arrested for their involvement in wildlife poaching while a secondary school teacher faces serious charges for allegedly raping a 16-year-old student. The arrests were executed during a police operation conducted on March 14, 2025, aimed at combating illegal hunting in national parks.

Morogoro Regional Police Commander Alex Mkama reported that ten suspects were apprehended following collaboration between police and Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa) officers. These individuals were discovered with an assortment of firearms, including two shotguns, a muzzleloader, and traditional weapons presumed to be utilized for illegal hunting.

Commander Mkama emphasized the success of the operation, indicating, “Our special task force… launched an extensive crackdown on poachers… . Investigations are ongoing, and upon completion, the suspects will be presented before the relevant authorities.”

The individuals arrested have been identified by name and age, including Safari Tamba (23), Jacob Chigange (50), and others ranging in age from 20 to 75. Authorities seized an extensive cache of illegal hunting materials, including 22 rounds of ammunition, bullet-making equipment, two heads of a common duiker, and porcupine quills.

In an unrelated case, Abubakar Mwichangwe (29) was apprehended for stealing fuel and allegedly setting fire to evidence. He is accused of stealing 35,700 liters of diesel valued at TZS 77.112 billion, which was in transit to the Democratic Republic of Congo when the theft occurred on March 16.

Investigations concerning both the poaching incidents and the fuel theft continue to progress. Individuals involved will face appropriate legal actions as proceedings unfold.

This article reports on two significant criminal cases unfolding in Tanzania: the arrest of eleven individuals for poaching within national parks, highlighting the ongoing challenges of wildlife conservation, and the apprehension of a school teacher for allegedly raping a minor. Both cases underline the proactive efforts of law enforcement to address serious crimes within communities. The investigations are still active, potentially leading to legal actions against the accused parties.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz