The arrests come as part of wider police operations in the city targeting crime networks
Dar es Salaam. Police in the Dar es Salaam Special Zone have arrested 15 people for using vehicle registration numbers SSH 2530, despite warnings that the plates are not recognised in the official registration system.
Zone Commander Jumanne Muliro told reporters yesterday, September 4, that those caught using the numbers will be prosecuted for driving unregistered vehicles.
“It is illegal because these numbers do not exist in the official vehicle registration system, and it also contravenes traffic safety laws,” he said, citing Section 13(1) of the Road Traffic Act, Cap 168 (Revised 1973, amended 2023), which makes it a criminal offence to operate a vehicle without valid registration.
The arrests come as part of wider police operations in the city targeting crime networks.
On August 11, police detained Ramadhan Makala, a resident of Tabata, who was allegedly transporting narcotic drugs. Commander Muliro said Makala was intercepted driving a Fuso truck loaded with sacks of maize and rice concealing 13 bags of cannabis.
“The suspect has been thoroughly interrogated, and he together with others involved in this illegal trade will face the full force of the law,” said Muliro.
Between August 12 and 22, police also arrested two men — Hassan Hamis of Tandale and Elia Mapunda of Goba — on suspicion of belonging to a motorcycle theft syndicate. Six motorcycles and several dismantled engines linked to theft incidents across Dar es Salaam were recovered.
Investigations are ongoing to trace the rightful owners, with some already identified.
In another case, police apprehended three suspects — Gift Shaban, Hussein Ali, and Riziki Ramadhan, all from Manzese — accused of breaking into homes and stealing electronic devices during daytime hours when families were away.
They were found in possession of new mobile phones and flat-screen televisions believed to have been stolen from different neighbourhoods.
Commander Muliro stressed that all the suspects will face legal action in collaboration with other state agencies.
He also urged residents to take extra precautions during the Maulid Day celebrations today, September 5, by not leaving homes unattended.
“As people go out to festivities, they must ensure someone remains at home for security reasons,” he said
