Africa-Press – Tanzania. HUNDREDS of mourners yesterday paid their last respects to the three police officers and a security guard who died on the mid-day shootout in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, with a call to the public to volunteer information to security organs about any suspicious activity or behaviour.
Minister for Home Affairs, George Simbachawene, made the call while delivering government condolences on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, urging police officers to be proactive to security threats wherever they are.
“There is a lot to learn from this tragedy, one big thing the need for police officers to be proactive to prevent or reduce crime,” he said.
Mr Simbachawene said it was equally crucial to continue equipping the officers with skills and techniques to enable them identify any incident, event, individual or activity that seems unusual or out of place.
He said the incident should not be underestimated as the police have launched an investigation that will lead to finding the right answers on the matter, insisting that the government will issue the report to the public.
“We are all hurt by this incident and we must take preliminary steps to fight crime, therefore everyone should be quick to report any suspicious activity or incident in your areas. We are all hurt and it pains a lot but the incident should serve us a lesson,” he remarked.
Sombre mood reigned yesterday at Kurasini Police Barracks grounds as police officers from around the city, SGA security staff and other government leaders attended the event to offer their condolences to the families of the three police officers and security guard killed on Wednesday in Dar es Salaam during the shootout.
They identified the officers who died as Miraji Tsingay (46), Emmanuel Keralyo (23), Anthony Jackson (26) and a security guard, Joseph Kondo (48). The bodies of the deceased will be transported to Singida, Katavi and Coast regions for burial.
Mourners cried as they couldn’t bear the pain and the grief of losing their heroes upon viewing the caskets carrying the bodies of their beloved ones.
Earlier, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Simon Sirro said: “It’s hard and challenging to be a police officer as some of us end up dying while discharging our duties.”
“I always warn officers, not to trust people easily. When they saw this gunman Hamza approaching them, they thought he was like any other ordinary Tanzanian, but since he had a pistol he did what he intended, but we have learned our lesson,” said IGP Sirro.
He said it was crucial for Tanzanians with children who portray any suspicious behaviours to cooperate with security organs, otherwise, they can bring serious harm to the nation.
Consoling the families of the deceased, he said the officers were neither terrorists nor thieves, they were heroes who died protecting Tanzanians, “so, it is an honour for the nation.”
Speaking on behalf of families of the deceased, Mr Sixbert Qamdiye expressed gratitude to God for the life he gave to their beloved.
“We find the strength to endure, though the pain is unbearable. Our request to religious leaders is to keep on teaching us good deeds as some people in the society are out of control,” he said.
He added, “It hurts us, but we thank God because it is our responsibility to do so. Keep praying for us.”
On Wednesday at the junction of Kenyatta Drive and Kinondoni Road, Hamza Mohammed killed three police officers and security guard before police shot him dead.
During the incident, six other people were injured in the shooting between the police and the gunman. Police have since taken members of Mohammed’s family for interrogations in connection with the incident.
However, neighbours describe Mohammed as a good mosque goer and a person who would not pass without greeting them.
