Mtwara Regional Police Force: A Year of Success in Crime Prevention and Resolution

Police Report: Mtwara Regional Police Force Operations and Searches

The Mtwara Regional Police Force conducted extensive operations and searches from 01.12.2024 to 31.12.2024, achieving significant success in preventing and solving crimes, controlling road traffic accidents, and arresting suspects involved in various criminal incidents.

During this period, the police force demonstrated exceptional diligence and efficiency, resulting in the apprehension of 25 suspects on charges ranging from murder, sodomy, and possession of illicit alcohol (gongo) to theft, possession of stolen property, possession of drugs suspected to be narcotics, possession of weapons without a permit, rape, and possession of government loot. Notable cases included the arrest of twins Danford Steven Seif and Daniel Steven Seif for the murder of their biological mother, driven by superstition, and the arrest of Renard Godfrey Ndonjima for the murder of Mohamed Kapile following a dispute over kenge meat. Additionally, the police seized 61 cubes of drugs suspected to be Bhangi (Marijuana) and 20 litres of illegal smoked alcohol (gongo), along with three machines for making the alcohol.

The suspects involved in these cases have been produced before the court, with their cases at various stages. The police force’s efforts were further highlighted by the sentencing of Mustapha Jamali Mandale to 30 years imprisonment for possessing 834.60 grams of marijuana, following a tip-off from a confidential informant. The Mtwara Regional Police Force extends its gratitude to the citizens of Mtwara Region for their cooperation in identifying, preventing, investigating, and reporting crimes, which has been instrumental in maintaining peace throughout the region. The police urge all citizens to take responsibility for the protection and security of the country by promptly reporting criminal acts to legally recognised authorities, as concealing crimes has greater consequences than the crimes themselves.

Arrests and Charges

During this period, the police arrested 25 suspects on charges including:

Murder
Sodomy
Possession of illicit alcohol (gongo)
Theft
Possession of stolen property
Possession of drugs suspected to be narcotics
Possession of weapons without a permit
Rape
Possession of government loot

Notable Cases

Matricide Case:
- Suspects: Danford Steven Seif (24) and Daniel Steven Seif (24), both farmers and residents of Mraushi A’, Masasi District.
- Victim: Upendo Methew Mayaya (42), their biological mother.
- Incident: On 15.12.2024, the suspects hit their mother on the forehead with a hoe and an axe, causing fatal injuries. The motive was superstition.
Dispute-Driven Murder:
- Suspect: Renard Godfrey Ndonjima (62), a farmer, resident of Lilala Village, Masasi District.
- Victim: Mohamed Kapile (52), a farmer, resident of Songambele Village, Nachingwea District, Lindi Region.
- Incident: On 22.12.2024, the suspect slashed the victim with a sharp object in Nahimba Sub-District, Lilala Village, Masasi District, leading to his death. The motive was a dispute over kenge meat.

Drug and Alcohol-Related Arrests

Drugs: 07 suspects were arrested with a total of 61 cubes of drugs suspected to be Bhangi.
Illicit Alcohol: 07 suspects were arrested with 20 litres of illegal smoked alcohol (gongo) and three machines for making the alcohol.
Court Proceedings: The suspects have been produced before the court, and their cases are at various stages.

Significant Sentencing

Case: Mustapha Jamali Mandale (25), a farmer resident in Mnongodi village, Nanyamba Town Council, Mtwara District.
Sentence: 30 years imprisonment by the Mtwara District Court for possessing 834.60 grams of marijuana.
Incident: On 20 November 2023, following a tip-off from a confidential informant, the police searched the suspect’s house and seized the drugs.

Overview of Operations and Searches

The Mtwara Regional Police Force has made significant strides in preventing and solving crimes through diligent operations and searches conducted from 01.12.2024 to 31.12.2024. These efforts have controlled road traffic accidents and led to the arrest of suspects involved in various criminal activities.

Key Arrests and Charges

During this period, the police successfully arrested 25 suspects on charges including murder, sodomy, possession of illicit alcohol (gongo), theft, possession of stolen property, possession of drugs suspected to be narcotics, possession of weapons without a permit, rape, and possession of government loot.

Notable Cases

Twins Charged with Matricide: Danford Steven Seif and Daniel Steven Seif, both 24, were arrested and charged with the murder of their biological mother, Upendo Methew Mayaya. The crime, driven by superstition, involved the use of a hoe and an axe.
Dispute-Driven Murder: Renard Godfrey Ndonjima, 62, was arrested for the murder of Mohamed Kapile, 52, following a dispute over kenge meat. The suspect used a sharp object to inflict fatal injuries.

Drug and Alcohol-Related Arrests

The operations also led to the arrest of seven suspects with 61 cubes of drugs suspected to be Bhangi and another seven suspects with 20 litres of illegal smoked alcohol (gongo) and three machines for making the alcohol. These suspects have been produced before the court, and their cases are at various stages.

Significant Sentencing

On 10 December 2024, Mustapha Jamali Mandale, 25, was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment by the Mtwara District Court for possessing 834.60 grams of marijuana. This arrest followed a tip-off from a confidential informant and a subsequent search of the suspect’s house.

Community Cooperation and Safety

The Mtwara Regional Police Force extends its gratitude to the citizens of Mtwara Region for their cooperation in identifying, preventing, investigating, and reporting crimes. This collaboration has been instrumental in maintaining peace throughout the region.

Call to Action

The police advise all citizens of Mtwara Region to take responsibility for the protection and security of the country. If they witness criminal acts, they should report them to legally recognised authorities promptly, as concealing crimes has greater consequences than the crimes themselves. The police emphasize that community involvement is crucial in maintaining law and order, and every individual has a role to play in ensuring the safety and security of their surroundings. By being vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities, citizens can help prevent crimes before they occur and assist in the swift apprehension of offenders.

The Mtwara Regional Police Force is committed to working closely with the community, fostering a collaborative environment where information is shared openly, and trust is built between law enforcement and the public. This partnership is essential for creating a secure and peaceful region where everyone can live without fear. The police also encourage citizens to participate in community policing initiatives and awareness programs, which aim to educate the public on crime prevention strategies and the importance of timely reporting. By working together, the Mtwara Regional Police Force and the community can continue to ensure the safety and well-being of the region, making it a better place for all its residents.

Tanzania Media