Zanzibar Police on Friday grilled seven people in connection with the attack on two British charity workers, Katie Gee and Kirstie Trup, as the government vowed to leave no stone unturned in its hunt for the culprits.
President Ali Mohamed Shein
Zanzibar Regional Police Commander (RPC), Mkadam Khamis told the ‘Daily News on Saturday’ yesterday that among those interrogated included a tour guide and traders who were close to the scene when Gee and Trup had a liquid suspected to be acid thrown at them.
“We have interrogated seven people, including a tour guide and traders who were close to the scene. Unfortunately people are not forthcoming with clear information about the incident to lead us to specific conclusions yet. We need more time to continue with investigation.”
“As of this afternoon, we have released five of them after grilling them. So we are still questioning the two remaining people. But more investigators are out there in the field continuing with the task,” he said.
But he noted that he could not reveal the names and other details of the people they are questioning. Yesterday, there was still shock among the local people regarding the incident.
“People are shocked and the majority wants the government to act seriously to arrest people behind the horrid attacks because such developments also make the local residents feel unsafe. He said preliminary investigations show the acid hurled at the women was used in car batteries.
Meanwhile, Zanzibar President Ali Mohamed Shein vowed to hunt for the criminals trying to cause instability in the islands. Addressing the traditional Idd Baraza (gathering) to mark the end of Ramadhan, Dr Shein said that members of the public had the responsibility to expose the few people bent on tarnishing the image of Zanzibar.
“Ramadhan went on peacefully despite attempt by some clerics to instigate violence. I am happy that people, particularly youths, ignored them. Let us work together to keep our islands safe,” Dr Shein said at Bwawani where Idd celebrations were held.
The president also asked people to stand firm against abuse of the children and women in the islands and that everyone had a role to play.
On Thursday, the Minister responsible for Information and Tourism said the government would reward 10m/- to anyone with reliable information that will help find suspects who threw acid on two British teenagers last Wednesday night. The minister also announced that the government would review as soon as possible the law on acid possession.
“We need to restrict use of acid in Zanzibar,” said the Minister, Mr Said Ali Mbarouk. Politicians and religious leaders in Zanzibar joined other people to condemn the incident, asking the police to make sure that people who attacked the teenagers were arrested.
The acid was splashed over their faces, chests and hands. Zanzibar was calm with the presence of plain cloth and uniformed security officers, while children and their families celebrated the Idd.
By ISSA YUSSUF, Tanzania Daily News
