Tanga tightens its security to curb crime

NESTORY NGWEGA in Tanga

TANGA Regional Commissioner, Mr Martin Shigela

TANGA Regional Commissioner (RC), Mr Martin Shigela, has vowed to fight all forms of crimes in the region, insisting that the area will never be a play ground for bandits or any sort of terrorism.

He praised the security organs for a job well done to control the security atmosphere in following recent criminal incidents that occurred in the region which created fear among ‘wananchi’.

He said the situation was under control and therefore residents should continue with their businesses as the government assures security for their lives and properties.

The RC said that the incidents which occurred recently this year had taught them a lesson and now they have intensified security at every corner of the region to give no room for bandits.

Mr Shigela gave the statement recently as he was addressing the Muslim community who gathered to celebrate the end of the Holy month of Ramadan in Tanga City. He said the security organs are aware and have already taken appropriate measures to control the situation after a few incidents which claimed the lives of innocent people in Tanga in April, May and June, this year.

He said Tanga Region is an economic strategic area in the country, thus the government should not let evil doers play with this region to create fear and insecurity to prospective investors.

He further said despite the killing incidents which happened before, the residents should trust their security organs and as a regional commissioner would assure them of the safety of their lives and properties, thus they should continue with their normal businesses without fear.

"The unusual killings which took place recently aimed at threatening people and discourage investors from coming in Tanga.

The situation is now under control and we are going on with our operations to make sure that no stone is left unturned," he insisted. He, however, urged religious leaders to pray for their government and preach to their believers to stay away from evil doers so that the region can continue to remain calm and peaceful.

"I am taking this opportunity to ask you religious leaders to help the government keep our region in a peaceful state.

"Tell your followers not to collaborate with gangsters; instead they have to inform the security organs whenever they find people with evil intentions in their surroundings. "Let us collaborate to make our region a peaceful area to live in and this is our tradition, we must keep it on," he stressed.

On his side, the Tanga Regional Chief Sheikh, Juma Luwuchu, praised the Tanga Region government for its efforts of preserving peace, pledging for more support from Muslim believers.

"You have led your team very well to control the atmosphere which started to threaten Tanga residents ... I can assure you with maximum support from us because as religious leaders we have the same agenda of keeping peace and tranquility in our region and everywhere in the country," he said.

He further said that the Islamic faith is always acting to spread peace, unity and love to all people, therefore its leaders must proclaim no hatred to people so that the Islamic teaching might work among the community members regardless of their religious affiliation, taking into account that all people were created and loved by one God