BY THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER
Over 176 people were convicted and sentenced to terms in prison for various offences in Arusha in the last one month, following intensified police swoops and successful prosecution of criminal cases, the Regional Police Commander (RPC), Justine Masejo, said.
The convictions covered rape, sodomy, theft, drug-related crimes, physical assault, housebreaking, possession of government trophies and obtaining money by false pretence. The cases were taken before courts between April 18 and May 18, 2026.
“These results show that police operations are continuing and those who engage in criminal acts will be arrested and taken before the law,” Commander Masejo said.
Speaking in Arusha, RPC Masejo said the outcome reflected the continued efforts by police and other justice sector institutions to curb crime and strengthen public safety in the region.
One person among the convicts was sentenced to death for murder, while another was handed a life sentence for sodomy. Two others received 30-year jail terms each for rape and theft, while two more were sentenced to 20 years in prison for armed robbery and unlawful possession of government trophies.
Commander Masejo said police had also stepped up operations against narcotic drugs users and illicit brew making in the region. During the crackdowns, police arrested 19 suspects with 90 kilogrammes of khat (miraa) and 12 for possession of 177 rolls of cannabis.
Police also seized 434 litres of an illicit brew from 33 suspects and nine ‘plants’ allegedly used in its production.
“We will not allow criminals to disturb the peace of Arusha. Our operations will continue in all areas and anyone involved in crime should stop immediately,” he said.
