Man shot dead by police after forcing his way into bank demanding money for food

Mwanza. Police have shot dead a man aged between 30 and 35 after he allegedly forced his way into a cash-counting room at CRDB Bank’s Rock City Mall branch and demanded money for food.

The incident occurred at about 1:58pm on September 13, 2026, in Ilemela District. The man’s identity and place of residence were not immediately known.

According to a statement issued on Monday, September 14, by Mwanza Regional Police Commander Wilbrod Mutafungwa, the man entered the bank as a customer and, upon reaching a service counter, asked a bank employee to give him money for food.

“The employee explained the procedures for depositing and withdrawing money, but the man continued insisting that he be given money for food,” the statement says.

Mr Mutafungwa said the employee became suspicious and went to seek assistance from colleagues.

The man then allegedly jumped over the customer service counter and headed towards the rooms where cash was being counted, police allege.

“The suspect jumped over the customer service counter and went directly towards the cash-counting rooms, where he pushed an employee and entered the room with him,” Mr Mutafungwa said.

The incident caused panic among employees and customers inside the bank, according to the police.

Officers providing security at the branch intervened and ordered the man to surrender, but he allegedly refused.

Police said he then confronted the officers and attempted to approach them and disarm them while continuing to ignore orders to surrender and sit down.

“Officers determined that the man had hostile intentions and decided to restrain him by shooting him in the waist, on the right leg,” Mr Mutafungwa said.

The injury allegedly caused heavy bleeding and the man died while being rushed to hospital, according to the police statement.

A search of the deceased found a black Samsung mobile phone and Sh500, Mr Mutafungwa said.

The body was taken to Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital for identification and further procedures.

“Police are continuing with investigations into the incident and strongly warn against criminal activities. We will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who continues to break the law,” Mr Mutafungwa said.