Africa-Press – Tanzania. AUTHORITIES in Bukoba District have launched an operation to crack down on cattle theft which has raised an alarm in Kagera region.
Bukoba District Commissioner (DC), Moses Machali directed ward and village leaders to mount an operation whereby wananchi would vote against the suspected thieves.
“Each leader at ward and village level should convene public meetings where people would cast secret votes against suspected thieves. Those suspects who collect more votes will be taken to court to answer the charges,” he said.
Mr Machali made the directives while addressing a Full Council meeting which was attended by ward councilors.
Bujugo Ward Councillor, Privatus Anatory, who is also Bukoba DC Vice-Chairman, informed the meeting that recently unknown thieves stole a total of nine heads of cattle worth 2.3m/- from his home during night hours.
“Next day I reported the matter at Bukoba police station but to date the cattle had not been recovered,” he said.
Meanwhile, Police in Kagera Region are investigating an incident where eight heads of cattle worth 12m/- were stolen by unknown people.
Acting Kagera Regional Police Commander (RPC), Maketi Msangi told the “Sunday News” at his office that the incident occurred on August 21, this year at Kabale village, in Bukoba District Council.
“Unknown people stole the eight heads of cattle valued at 12m/-, property of Speratus Mbeikwa, a resident of Kabale village. Following the incident police mounted investigations and arrested two suspects,” he said.
He named the suspects as Anchillius Mwesiga (21), a Security Guard with Nyamiaga Security Company who was found in possession of 4 heads of cattle hidden at Itahwa village.
He named the second suspect as Shahidu Juma (31), a resident of Izigo village, in Muleba district, who was also found in possession of three heads of cattle as he was looking for a buyer.
Investigation was underway and the suspects will be arraigned in court upon completion.
