Police seize stolen assets, crack down on infrastructure sabotage in Coast Region

Mkuranga. Coast Region Police have detained several individuals suspected of possessing assets stolen from public institutions, including the Tanzania Electric Supply Company (Tanesco), the Dar es Salaam Water and Sewerage Authority (Dawasa) and the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC).

The number of suspects has not been disclosed, but authorities report their arrests followed an investigation led by Coast Regional Commissioner (RC) Abubakari Kunenge in collaboration with other regional officials.

The stolen items were found in a construction materials factory in Mkuranga District.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, January 2, 2025, RC Kunenge issued a stern warning to all those sabotaging national infrastructure.

He emphasised that while the government strives to improve infrastructure, a few individuals undermine development and essential services through theft.

"We will not tolerate such actions. Strict measures will be taken, and the perpetrators will be tracked down," stated Mr Kunenge.

Last year, several arrests were made for sabotaging Tanesco and TRC infrastructure.

On December 13, 2024, two suspects were caught with 426 copper rods (weighing 7,728 kg) and 2,628.5 kg of copper cables, all stolen from Tanesco.

The same suspects were also found with 430 kilos of TRC copper cables and additional copper wire pieces.

On December 14, 2024, police seized a lorry loaded with stolen copper cables and arrested two suspects.

Earlier, on December 12, 2024, two foreign nationals were detained in Mkuranga, found with 608.6 kg of Tanesco copper cables and 5,500.17 kg of TRC cables.