Crackdown on vehicle parts thieves nets 70

SUNDAY NEWS Reporter

POLICE in Dar es Salaam have arrested more 70 suspects in possession of stolen motor vehicle parts, in a special operation aimed at containing the crime in the region.

The crackdown was conducted in response to directives by the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner (RC), Paul Makonda, that required the force to make sure that they disband the network.

The implementation report presented to RC Makonda in Dar es Salaam yesterday indicated that 73 suspects were arrested in possession of stolen motor vehicle parts including 40 power windows, 12 radio receivers, 105 lights, 92 side mirrors, 109 car locks, 4 bumpers, 1 air cleaner, 3 boosters, 6 show grills and used tyres.

Speaking after receiving the report, Mr Makonda called upon citizens who have either lost their vehicle or parts to visit the special police zone in Dar es Salaam to collect their property.

The RC, however, directed the Police Force to make sure that agents conducting motor vehicle business in unofficial areas abide by laws governing the business, because they have been denying the government revenue.

“People conducting this business as agents have been denying the government revenue, because they don’t pay tax and they do it along roads, they should acquire licences or connect to people with licences to enable the government to earn revenue,” he said.

He called upon people who purchase spare parts to make sure that they buy them from registered shops and provided with receipts. The acting Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander, DCP Lucas Mkondya assured the RC that they will implement all the directives.

He said that the crackdown will be sustainable to make sure that such evils are contained in the region.