Police arrest two for possessing weapons in polling stations

Dar es Salaam. Police in Dar es Salaam have arrested two people allegedly for being found in possessing weapons in polling stations in Ukonga Constituency.

The Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Lazaro Mambosasa said while one suspect was found in possessing of a pistol that was loaded with 14 bullets, another person was found in possession of a machete.

Speaking to The Citizen on Sunday, September 16, Mr Mambosasa said the suspects entered the polling stations as agents for political parties taking part in the by-election.

"The suspect with a pistol had produced an introduction letter which however lacked his picture but he was found with a gun after being searched,” he said, noting that both are being held for investigation.

He said security was beefed up in polling stations and that no chaotic scenes had been reported.

In another development, The Citizen reporter Jacob Mosenda was shortly arrested in the process of conducting his journalistic undertakings in the Ukonga by-election.

He was later set free following Mr Mombosasa’s directives. 

Mr Mosenda was arrested at Kigezi Chamazi while reporting the by-election.

Mr Mosenda was arrested allegedly for not possessing a letter from the assistant election supervisor in the ward that authorized him to report the by-election.

However, Mr Mosenda produced to the police, a letter from the Ilala District Executive Director (DED) who is the constituency’s election supervisor.

Mr Mambosasa said journalists are obliged to introduce themselves to law enforcers and electoral officials at the polling station, something that was observed by the reporter.