Lugola speaks for the first time on billionaire Mo Dewji abduction

Dar es Salaam. Minister for home affairs Mr Kangi Lugola has revealed that police are holding 20 people in connection to the abduction of Africa’s billionaire Mr Mohamed Dewji on Thursday morning.

The minister, who was speaking for the first time since the disappearance of the businessman, said police and other security organs are still looking for the businessman.

He called for calm. “The authorities are doing their job so we should remain calm,” said Mr Lugola.

Mr Lugola also revealed that a total of 56 people have been kidnaped in the last three years.

According to him, police investigation reveals that some of these incidents are fuelled by political, economic witchcraft beliefs or revenge.

However, the minister allayed fears that Tanzanian isn’t a safe country.  He said police and other security organs are working day and night to ensure Tanzanians live peacefully.

He explained that to prove police are doing their job well, the minister said, in 2016, nine people were abducted but five of them were rescued alive.

In 2017, 27 people were also abducted but the authorities managed to rescue 22 of them. The police also arrested the perpetrators of the incidents.

He also revealed that a total of 21 people were abducted in a period between January and October but 17 of them have been rescued, while 10 culprits have been arraigned.

Mr Lugola added that in a period between 2016 and 2018 a total of 18 children were abducted but 15 of them were rescued.

“Let me use this opportunity to assure Tanzanians that our country is safe and they should continue with their daily activities without fear or intimidations,” said Mr Lugola.

He added that the government would install CCTV cameras in various parts of the country in a bid to address the incidents. He did not say, however, when this would be implemented.