Police hold over 50 alleged demonstrators

Written by LUDOVICK KAZOKA

POLICE in Dar es Salaam are holding 53 suspects who attempted to stage demonstrations, demanding unconditional release of the secretary of the Council of Muslim Organisations, Sheikh Ponda Issa Ponda on Friday.

The Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone Commander, Mr Suleiman Kova, told the ‘Daily News’ that 14 suspects were apprehended while heading towards the State House, while 39 others were arrested at Kariakoo area in Ilala municipality.

“We are well organized in preventing crime and whoever dares to commit crime will face the music,” warned the city police chief. On Friday, the police force used tear gas canisters and arrested people who attempted to stage demonstrations.

At Kariakoo, this paper saw law enforcers engaging youths in running battles. There was confusion as people jumped walls, hid in alleys and houses while shops remained closed throughout the day. No casualty was reported, although a TBC announcer was quoted as saying a woman fainted when tear gas canister was fired into a crowd at a bus stand.

Mr Kova also issued the list of other six suspects believed to be top officials of the Council of the Muslims’ Organisations who are still at large and he wanted them to surrender themselves before the force.

“I call upon the general public to provide us with support to arrest the six suspects for the law to take its course,” said Mr Kova. The list includes Mukadam Salehe, Kondo Juma, Shaaban Mapeo, Jaffary Mneke, Rajabu Katimba and Amani Moshi.

On Thursday, Sheikh Ponda and 49 followers were arraigned before the Kisutu Resident Magistrates’ Court accused of five charges. The charges are committing conspiracy, trespass and criminal possession of the property owned by Agritanza Limited at Chang’ombe in Temeke municipality.

Other charges include stealing building materials from Agritanza Limited, including 1,500 bricks and 36 tonnes of aggregate and iron bars worth shs. 59.6 million, while the fifth charge is that Sheikh Ponda is accused of inciting people to commit offences.

Source: Daily News (21/10/2012): http://www.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/local-news/10723-police-hold-over-50-alleged-demonstrators