Defense minister issues statement on 'security officers' involved in gang rape
Minister of Defense and National Service, Dr. Stergomena Tax. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- She advised that since the police have already stated that they are conducting their investigation, all questions regarding who is responsible should be directed to them.
Dar es Salaam. The Minister of Defense and National Service, Dr. Stergomena Tax, has assured the public that the government will not tolerate any form of law violence and that anyone found guilty of such actions will face appropriate consequences.
Dr. Tax's statement responds to the incident, which has ignited widespread outrage, involving five men who recorded themselves raping the woman in turn. The video which shows the perpetrators' faces, was subsequently shared online.
When asked whether the perpetrators were members of the Tanzania People's Defence Forces (TPDF), Dr. Tax told The Citizen that the police force is the authority responsible for investigating and determining who and how someone was involved in a certain crime.
She advised that since the police have already stated that they are conducting their investigation, all questions regarding who is responsible should be directed to them.
"When you ask me, it's like asking a suspect. The body responsible for investigating and identifying the criminal is the police. Ask the police to find out about that.”
She added: If you mention a certain officer, I would say you have just mentioned someone, but I have not confirmed it because someone else is conducting the investigation.
Minister Tax's statement follows the confirmation by the Minister of Home Affairs, Hamad Masauni, that the suspects involved in the incident have been arrested, although he did not specify who they are or what steps will follow.
