Rape incidents rise by 6.8 per cent, says DCI

Reports of rape incidents made to the police have climbed by 6.8 per cent in Tanzania compared to last year’s figures.

Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Robert Boaz said a total of 7,460 rape incidents were reported this year compared to 6,985 cases last year.

Out of this year’s number, 25 were cases of sodomy compared to 16 of last year.

“We are calling upon community members to help us in reducing these incidents because they happened within their families. We will continue to take measures against the problem but through collaboration with the society,” Mr Boaz said on Wednesday, December 20.

Speaking of security issues in general, the DCI said in the period between January and November last year there were a total of 68,204 criminal offences reported compared to 61,794 cases reported in 2017.

In the case of crimes related to finances, he said in 2016 there were a total of 1,861 counts reported while in 2017 a total of 1,526 incidents were reported, hence a decrease by 18.0 per cent.

As for traffic offences between January and November last year, there were 9,550 incidents compared to 5,537 during the same period in 2017, this being a decrease by 4,013 offences, which is equivalent to 42 per cent.

Moreover, he said, road accidents killed 3,108 people in 2016 compared to 2,491 people in 2017.

He also urged all citizens to take precaution during this period of end of the year festivities and avoid violating peace and tranquility.

“We wish all Tanzanians peaceful celebrations and urge them to obey the laws. The police will not spare anyone who tries to violate peace,” he said.

End