Mtwara gas riots: Locals claim police looted shops

Mtwara. Police here have been accused of looting shops and setting houses on fire under the pretext of quelling the riots that erupted here on Wednesday in protest at the government’s plan to build a pipeline to transport gas to Dar es Salaam.

At least three people died, including a pregnant woman who was allegedly shot by anti-riot police. The situation remained tense as fresh claims against the police fuelled anger among locals.

Residents told Home Affairs minister Emmanuel Nchimbi that the riots would not have turned deadly had police not used “excessive” force.

“The situation here is not good,” Magengeni Councillor Omar Nawatuwangu told the minister. “It’s true residents rioted but it is very unfortunate that the police, whom we expect to protect us, have set our houses on fire and shot people.”

Mr Issa Nambanga said he saw armed police set his neighbour’s house on fire. “I saw the officers loot my neighbour’s property and torch his house,” he added. “I could do nothing because they were so uncompromising.”

Ms Mariam Abdallah, a widow and mother of three, complained that her house was set on fire along with everything in the home.

She added: “The day before yesterday (22 May), police arrived in a car and parked in front of my house. A female officer called me and my children out before she set my house on fire. I don’t know where to start. Even my hand hoe is gone.”

But police spokesperson Advera Senso denied the claims. “The police are there to protect, we have not been involved in any wrong doing,” she said.

“A few people are spreading these messages to tarnish our image.” Police have reportedly arrested an “instigator” for spreading rumours.

Ms Senso added: “We found on him more than three simcards used to spread false text messages to cause anarchy. We will arrest more of such people.”

Defence minister Shamsi Vuai Nahodha is in Mtwara to assess security situation. All major roads in the town were virtually empty yesterday as police and members of the Tanzania Peoples’ Defence Forces (TPDF) went on patrol.

Shops remained closed all day. The number of deaths remains unclear. While residents insist that three people died, Mtwara Regional Commissioner Joseph Simbakalia was able to confirm only one death. He promised to bring to book all officers proved to have been involved in misconduct.

Residents also claimed three other people died of gunshot wounds at Mikindani area and women reported having been raped.

Minister Nchimbi ordered Mtwara Regional Police Commander Linus Sinzumwa to arrest and charge the perpetrators.

Some of the officers whose houses were torched spoke of deep hostility between residents and the police in Mtwara.

Said Sergeant Fakih of Chikongola ward: “Rioters stormed my house and set it on fire. My wife and children had to hide in a neighbour’s house.”

Violence erupted on Wednesday after Energy and Minerals Minister Sospeter Muhongo announced in Parliament that the construction of the Mtwara-Dar es Salaam gas pipeline would go on as planned.

Youth hurled stones and vandalised houses belonging to Chama Cha Mapinduzi and its leaders. A TV journalist was also attacked and his house set on fire.

Additional reporting  by Mkinga Mkinga