Boat operators plying in Lake Victoria have raised concern following increased incidents of armed robberies committed by Pirates.
Lake Victoria
A group of armed pirates recently hijacked three boats plying between Ukerewe and Kerebe Island in Lake Victoria and robbed the passengers various properties including eleven engines, fishing nets and cash, all valued at 150m/-.
Narrating the incident, Elisha James, who is also captain of a boat christened Mv Mpuya, said he arrived at the scene at around 10.30 pm and rescued the stranded passengers.
Unfortunately he said, there was no communication at that time because most of the over 30 Islands in Lake Victoria are isolated and have not been covered by mobile phone providers including Vodacom, Airtel and Tigo companies.
“We appeal to the government to intensify patrols in Lake Victoria. Mobile phone providers should erect pillars to enable boats plying this lake to have easy communication in case of emergency,” he said.
He also appealed to the Surface and Marine Transport Authority (Sumatra) to review the fares charged following a recent increase of petrol. The chairman for Musila island, Mr Charles Pole Pole, also confirmed the incident.
Kagera Regional Police Commander (RPC), Mr Philip Kalangi, when contacted for comment said he was away in Karagwe district supervising the ongoing “Operation Kimbunga”, aimed to flush out illegal immigrants hiding in villages, adding that he would issue a statement later.
Meanwhile Police in Ngara district are investigating an incident whereby a primary school teacher was allegedly found in unlawful possession of six bags of bhang. RPC Kalangi named the suspect as Sylidion Kaiza (43), a teacher at Mukubu primary school, in Muganza Ward, in Ngara district.
By MEDDY MULISA, Tanzania Daily News
