Four arrested over possession of 29 elephant tusks

MOROGORO: POLICE in Morogoro Region have arrested four individuals in connection with the illegal possession of 29 elephant tusks whose value is yet to be determined.

Regional Police Commander Alex Mkama announced the arrests on Monday, detailing that the suspects were caught during a targeted operation against poachers and illegal wildlife hunters in the region’s conservation areas.

Over the past month, four suspects were apprehended with a total of 29 elephant tusks in Kilosa and Morogoro districts,” Commander Mkama said.

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The suspects include Yahaya Bakari (60), a farmer from Chalinze in the Coast Region; Juma Ramadhan Zinga (46), a farmer from Bagamoyo; Masima Mlugu Ntumbi, a farmer from Mlenge Vianzi in Mvomero distric and Mansour Juma Abdallah (40), a farmer from Dar es Salaam.

In a separate incident, police are holding Selemani Mohammed (34), a resident of Mafisa in Morogoro Municipality who with other 14 accomplices were allegedly impersonating police officers.

The group was conducting illegal searches for marijuana in homes in the Mlali area of Mvomero district. Their actions raised suspicions among residents, who alerted the authorities. The police intervened and prevented the scam.

Commander Mkama praised the public for their vigilance in reporting such crimes and urged citizens to avoid engaging in illegal activities. He emphasised the importance of adhering to the law and seeking wealth through legitimate means rather than resorting to criminal behaviour.