Police in Tabora Region have established a permanent station on the Mwanza-Dar es Salaam road in Ngonho village, Miguwa ward in Nzega District, following the abduction and assault of a number of long-haul truck drivers which occurred on Saturday night in the area.
According to Tabora Regional Police Commander (RPC), Peter Ouma, the area is unsafe and has poor communication, which has led to several assault incidents occurring in the spot.
“In that area it is easy to get attacked, especially at night. Owing to poor network communication in the area bandits have been using the loophole to attack drivers,” said the RPC.
More than 1,000 vehicles were stuck in the area on Saturday following the abduction of drivers, some of whom had their eyes pierced or gorged, while others had their feet and hands mutilated.
Reports show that some of the drivers were abducted since last Thursday night when suspected robbers took their property, injuring them including chopping off their ears.
Due to the incidents, other truck drivers staged a strike in the area, blocking the road with their trucks and sparking a very long traffic jam.
The drivers also staged the strike in protest after police in Nzega failed to help them when they were attacked.
The RPC told the ‘Daily News’ over the phone that investigation was underway to establish the truth behind the allegation that the police unduly delayed in coming to the drivers’ help.
“There are regulations to be followed before taking action. The people should cool down as everything is now under control and disciplinary measures will be taken against the inefficient police officers,” said RPC Ouma.
RPC Ouma further added that they were able to end the strike and all the vehicles continued with their journey on Sunday night, adding it is early to say measures taken against the Nzega Police, but soon it will be known.
Throughout Sunday, buses and small cars were stalled in the area and led to long queues, resulting in persecution for travellers, especially women and children.
Three people were injured including one identified as Herelina Eddy, a resident of Burundi, his eyes was pierced and his condition was serious, he was taken to Nkinga Referral Hospital for further treatment.
The other two are Abraham Ismail and Omary Adrian, who are all residents of Dar es Salaam. Medical Officer-in- charge for Nzega Hospital said that Adrian was cut off his ear, cheek and his left hand, while Ismail was injured on parts of his body.
By HILDA MHAGAMA, Tanzania Daily News
