TPDF soldiers held for allegedly roughing up Dar traffic police

Written by DAILY NEWS Reporter 

ABOUT seven members of the Tanzania People's Defence Forces (TPDF) are in police custody after allegedly assaulting a traffic police who was on duty at Ubungo traffic lights in Dar es Salaam.

Kinondoni Regional Police Commander (RPC), Charles Kenyela confirmed the incident and the arrest of the soldiers in connection with the episode.

"After beating up the traffic police, the soldiers left the area on a military truck. We (police) pursued them all the way to Buguruni and arrested them," the RPC said. He added; "Investigation into the incident is underway.

More details will be communicated to the media tomorrow (Sunday)," Commander Kenyela explained. He said at around 10.30 am, a group of seven army personnel were travelling on a military truck, heading to Buguruni from Mwenge.

On arrival at the busy Ubungo traffic lights area, they bumped into a traffic jam that 'delayed' them. They blamed the policeman for the long queue of cars and opted to alight from their vehicle and approached the traffic police. According to an eyewitness, the assaulted traffic police pleaded with the soldiers, saying he was only fulfilling his duties. But the soldiers would not listen.

They gave him a beating, kicked and punched him. This caused confusion to motorists for a little while as there was no one to direct them. Another eye witness who declined to be named said the victim tried to avoid punches from the furious soldiers. He somehow managed to take out his mobile phone from his pocket and called his 'boss.'

A pedestrian who saw the incident was very much disappointed, saying 'punishing' a law enforcer in public was an embarrassment to the armed forces. Ernest Kiwia said: "Beating up a policeman is disregarding the power of the government.

Trampling on the crown is an offence. These soldiers must be charged in a court of law," he said. Another person, Kighenda Msofe said she personally felt bad to see that soldiers who were supposed to help maintain peace and harmony, openly humiliated a fellow law enforcer.

"It is very bad to beat up a policeman or any other person. The act must be condemned. We all know that the army is highly disciplined," Kighenda said. Shortly after the incident, a police patrol vehicle arrived at the scene and chased the army truck. This is the second incident in the recent past involving beating up of a traffic police by army men. Another one happened in May, 2009 in the same spot.

Source: Daily News (21/10/2012): http://www.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/local-news/10721-tpdf-soldiers-held-for-allegedly-roughing-up-dar-traffic-police