Eleven arrested in Tanzania for poaching and school teacher held over rape allegations

Morogoro. Morogoro police have arrested 11 individuals in connection with wildlife poaching in Tanzania's national parks, while a secondary school teacher in Kilosa district is in custody over allegations of raping a 16-year-old student.

According to Morogoro Regional Police Commander Alex Mkama, 10 suspects were apprehended during a special operation conducted by the police and wildlife rangers on 14 March 2025. 

The suspects were found in possession of various firearms and traditional weapons allegedly used in illegal hunting within national parks.

Speaking at a press briefing on 20 March, Commander Mkama stated that the operation, carried out in collaboration with Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa) officers, led to the arrest of the poachers who were caught with firearms, including two shotguns and a single-barrel muzzleloader.

"Our special task force, in collaboration with Tanapa officers, launched an extensive crackdown on poachers operating in national parks across Morogoro. As a result, 10 individuals were apprehended in possession of firearms and traditional weapons used for illegal hunting. Investigations are ongoing, and upon completion, the suspects will be presented before the relevant authorities," said Mr Mkama.

The arrested individuals were identified as Safari Tamba (23) from Tanga, Jacob Chigange (50) from Melela, Marthias Ndalu (20) from Melela, Hussein Rashid (66), Athuman Matonya (48) from Vianzi Mlandizi, Ismail Mahyoro (75) from Tandika Dar es Salaam, Shabaan Kalesela (50), and Bakari Nzile (53) from Mkundi. Others include Abdulkarim Mashaka (55) from Kilombero and Nestory Mkami (58) from Melela Mlandizi.

Commander Mkama also disclosed that the suspects were found in possession of 22 rounds of ammunition, six locally made bullet heads, nine shotgun cartridges, bullet-making equipment, 139 rounds of ammunition, and two small containers of gunpowder. Additionally, they had in their possession two heads of a common duiker, 128 porcupine quills, a bow, four arrows, and 15 arrowheads.

In a separate case, police have arrested Abubakar Mwichangwe (29), a driver from Tabata Kinyerezi, Dar es Salaam, who was wanted for allegedly conspiring to destroy evidence by setting fire to a truck after stealing fuel.

Commander Mkama stated that Mwichangwe was arrested for allegedly stealing 35,700 litres of diesel worth Sh77.112 billion, belonging to Acer Logistics (T). The fuel was being transported to the Democratic Republic of Congo when the incident occurred on 16 March in Morogoro.

Investigations into both cases are ongoing.