Operation nets more aliens from 7 countries

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Simon Siro

   

    Written by MEDDY MULISA in Biharamulo  

A TOTAL of 18,243 suspected criminals and 14, 666 illegal immigrants were rounded up during phases one and two of the ongoing Operation Kimbunga in Kagera, Geita and Kigoma regions.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Simon Siro, told reporters in Biharamulo District during a weekly briefing that a total of 11,470 criminals were rounded up in Kagera Region; 5,776 in Kigoma Region; while 997 others were from Geita Region.

“Out of the 14,666 aliens; 4,421 were Rwandese; 6,678 Burundians; 2,886 Ugandans; 635 from Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); 44 Somalis, one Yemeni and one Indian.

The operation has been successful. More aliens were being flushed out, including armed bandits,” he said. Mr Siro also disclosed that 333 suspected armed bandits were arrested. He elaborated that 108 firearms, including 11 SMGs, four pistols, nine shotguns, 81 home made guns (gobole), 12 hand grenades and 484 ammunitions were also recovered.

According to Mr Siro, a total of 21,296 livestock were found grazing in National Game Reserves, contrary to section 18(2) and (4) of the Wildlife Conservation Act, No.5 of 2009.

He said 166 herds of cattle were forfeited to the government, the owners of 4,623 herds of cattle were convicted and paid a fine amounting to 83.5m/- while 16,673 herds of cattle were being held pending further action.

The DCP urged residents in Kagera Region to co-operate with authorities by exposing the aliens and bandits hiding in villages.

Meanwhile, a total of 19 aliens who were recently repatriated from Ngara District, have re-entered the country through illegal routes. Ngara District Commissioner (DC), Constantine Kanyasu, said the 19 aliens - all Burundians, were flushed out on Monday while hiding in Djululigwa and Mugoma villages.

Mr Kanyasu said the 19 aliens were expected to appear before the Ngara District Magistrate’s Court yesterday to answer related charges. He appealed to residents in the district to cooperate by exposing the aliens.