Police to investigate Mwanza RPC killing

Written by DASSU STEPHEN

THE Inspector General of Police (IGP) Said Mwema has pledged thorough investigation to circumstances that led to the killing of Mwanza Regional Police Commander (RPC), Liberatus Barlow.

During media briefing in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, the IGP said he had directed the Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Robert Manumba to travel to Mwanza to lead investigation on the killing of RPC Barlow on Friday night.

He said security has been strengthened in Mwanza, adding the incident had shocked the police force and urged the people to remain calm and provide the necessary support to the police. MWANZA Regional Police Commander (RPC), Liberatus Barlow (55), has been shot dead by suspected bandits on Friday night.

Mwanza Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Evarist Ndikilo, said the incident happened at around 1.00 pm at Kona ya Bwiru area near a hotel known as Taifive.

Reports say upon reaching an area called Kona ya Bwiru, the RPC who was driving a private car, Toyota Hilux double cabin, stopped to drop one passenger identified as Doroth Moses. Suddenly, a number of unknown assailants surrounded his car and one suspect shot the RPC at the back. He died on the spot.

Reliable sources say Mr Barlow was heading home after attending a wedding preparation meeting of his nephew at Florida Hotel in the city. It is also reported that the suspected bandits made away with a radio call and a mobile phone that belonged to the RPC.

The ‘Sunday News,’ however, has not verified that information. RC Ndikilo said that police here are holding in custody Ms Doroth Moses for further interrogation regarding the incident.

The police officials in the region have not issued any formal statement regarding the killing of the RPC. One of the sources, Mr Respius Kaiza, told the ‘Sunday News’ that information regarding the event would be issued as soon as possible. “We are getting prepared to issue a statement and we shall inform you as soon as possible,” he said.

According to the RC, the Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI), Mr Robert Manumba, was expected to arrive here to form part of the contingent to investigate the murder of the RPC.

Source: Daily News (144/10/2012): http://www.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/local-news/10511-police-to-investigate-mwanza-rpc-killing