AfricaPress-Tanzania: POLICE in Iringa Region are holding a farmer from Kibengu village in Mufindi District for allegedly publishing unsubstantiated information on the health of President John Magufuli.
Briefing reporters here yesterday, Deputy Regional Police Commander Rienada Millanzi named the suspect as Augustino Kiliwa (26) who is accused of publishing an unconfirmed report on his Facebook page.
The officer charged that the suspect published the information on Thursday March 11th, contrary to Section 14 of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015.
“His message created shock and distress to the public,” said the officer, noting that the suspect was arrested on the afternoon of Saturday March 13th at Kibengu village by the special task force dealing with cybercrimes.
Commander Milanzi asserted that Kiliwa will be arraigned on cybercrime charges as soon as police complete investigation on the matter.
He said the force will continue taking stringent legal measures against anyone publishing false reports on social media.
However, police warned Tanzanians to avoid publishing and circulating through social media unconfirmed reports because by so doing they are violating the Cybercrime Act, 2015.
Speaking in Njombe Region after Friday prayers, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa asked Tanzanians to remain calm, saying the Head of State was healthy and faring well with his daily activities.
The premier dismissed claims from social and international media that have gone viral most of the week that President Magufuli was ailing and has been flown to a neighbouring country for specialized treatment.
Majaliwa said he had spoken with Magufuli by phone, assuring Tanzanians that he is well.
In contrast, Chadema secretary general John Mnyika addressed a press conference on Thursday saying the opposition political party was concerned with the health and whereabouts of the president, who was last seen in public on February 27.
