Six youths arraigned over armed robbery

Dar es Salaam. Six city youths, alleged to be members of a criminal gang nicknamed ‘Mbwa Mwitu’(The Wolves), were yesterday charged with armed robbery.

The accused were brought before the Ilala District Court where they denied the charge and were driven back to remand prison until January 31 when the case will come for mention.

According to prosecution led by state attorney Nassor Katuga, the accused committed the offence in on January 1, this year, at Yombo Kiwalani within Ilalla District in Dar es Salaam.

They are, Sijali Abdallah, 19, Sadick Mpambe, 25, Balozi Inasio, 19, Shahibu Japhary alias Cardinal Pengo, 30, Mussa Muhunzi alias Matikiti, 31, and Zegamba Kihongo, 20, who reside in Kiwalani and Yombo area.

According to prosecution, the accused stole Sh150,000 and one mobile phone, the property of Juma Fungo. It was further alleged that before and after stealing, the accused threatened the said Fungo with machetes and a knife in order to get his property.

All the accused denied the charge, leading resident magistrate Wilberforce Luhwago to order them to stay in remand prison because the offence which they are facing is among unbailable offences.

The accused are among 15 youths arrested over murder,robbery and terrorizing various neighbourhoods in the city.

Ilala Regional Police Commander Marietha Minangi, said the group emerged after the New Year vigil. They use knives, swords and screwdrivers against their victims when committing crimes.

According to Minangi, some of the suspects captured during patrols in Kiwalani Dar es Salaam, while others were arrested in Handeni, Tanga while trying to escape.

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