Businessman gunned down by unknown people

Mbeya. A trader in Lupa Tingatinga Town, Chunya District, in Mbeya Region, Mr Nestory Kyando, has been shot dead by suspected bandits who broke into his shop and made away with Sh4 million.

Speaking to The Citizen, a witness, Mr Ibrahimu Khalid, a resident of the town, said the incident occurred at around 21:15pm on Saturday September 16 at the wholesale shop owned by the businessman.

He said before the robbed the shop, the suspected robbers forceful took the businessman from his home forced him to give them a key to his safe.

"Ten minutes before the incident, we were together and later he decided to go to his place while I continued working in my shop. While at his home, a group of people abducted and slashed him with machetes while demanding a safe key from him. He gave them the key in apparent attempt to save his life,” he said.

The Mbeya Regional Police Commander, Mr Mohammed Mpinga, confirmed the incident saying so far four suspects had been arrested and were still being questioned as investigations into the incident continues.

The chairperson of traders association in Lupa Tingatinga Ward, Mr Fredrick Kisucha, said they had been saddened by the incident, adding that it was the first robbery incident to occur in the area.

"This incident seems to have been committed by experienced people because it happened as many people were continuing with their normal activities. So, it appears that they had a long plan of committing the robbery," said Mr Kisucha.

Another resident, Mr Masingija Jilala, said there was a need for the police to beef security to Lupa Tingatinga area.