Mtwara MP arrested over gas fray

Mtwara/Dar. The situation in Mtwara is tense again following the arrest on Saturday of Hasnain Murji, the area’s Member of Parliament.

Mr Murji is expected to appear in court today, but, as it happened during the tabling of the budget for the Energy and Minerals ministry, people have vowed to close their businesses and activities to follow up court proceedings.

Mtwara regional police commander, Mr Linus Sinzumwa, said that the MP would be arraigned today for incitement that caused riots when people protested against the construction of the natural gas pipeline from Mtwara to Dar es Salaam.

The MP, who was arrested on Saturday evening at his residence in Shangani area, is set to appear in court today together with four other leaders of different opposition parties who were arrested early last week.

The four leaders are Mr Katani Ahmed Katani, 33, and Mr Saidi Kulaga, 45 from Civic United Front (CUF), Mr Hassan Uledi, 35, from NCCR-MAgeuzi and Mr Hamza Licheta, 51, from Tanzania Labour Party (TLP). The four first appeared in court last Tuesday.

As tension simmers in Mtwara over the arrest of local politicians, some residents have started relocating their families for fear of chaos.

The Citizen observed some of the residents moving their families outside the town.

“We are seeking refuge outside this town until peace is restored. The tension is still too much to bear,” said Ms Mwajuma Salehe, who was found at the central bus station waiting for transport to take her and the family outside the town.

Commander Sinzumwa urged the public to stay calm as his force is prepared to handle the situation. “I urge people to go on with their activities and leave everything to the police,” said Mr Sinzumwa.

Source: http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/News/Mtwara-MP-arrested-over-gas-fray/-/1840392/1877414/-/k5e5o8/-/index.html