TANGA: THREE convicts have each been sentenced to 30 years in prison after being found guilty of sodomy, incest involving a minor, and drug trafficking.
The heavy sentences are the highlights of a massive regional security crackdown in Tanga Region which has resulted in the arrest of 200 suspects and the conviction of 51 offenders within a six-week period.
According to a report released by Tanga Regional Police Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police (SACP) Almachius Muchunguzi, the operations covered the period from June 1 to July 16 this year.
According to the report, Julius Mustafa was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment after being convicted of sodomy, while Kilimo Issaya received a similar sentence after being found guilty of incest involving a minor who was a close relative.
Another convict, Sadiki Waziri, was also handed a 30- year jail term after being convicted of drug trafficking.
SACP Muchunguzi said the convictions demonstrate the police force’s commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of serious crimes are brought to justice through effective investigations and collaboration with prosecutors.
He said the 51 successful convictions involved various offences, including rape, incest, drug trafficking, livestock theft, burglary, assault, issuing death threats and illegal entry into the country, among others.
The police commander said intensified operations and patrols conducted across the region led to the arrest of 200 suspects linked to different criminal activities, including narcotics trafficking, robbery, theft, possession of suspected stolen property, illegal possession of government trophies, vandalism of public infrastructure and possession of counterfeit currency.
ALSO READ: Police crackdown on illegal firearms, toy guns
In the fight against drug-related crimes, police arrested 29 suspects during the operation. Fourteen suspects were found in possession of 750 bundles of khat (mirungi) weighing 45 kilogrammes, while 15 others were arrested with cannabis, including 114 rolls, 126 packets, five packages and 120 compressed pellets.
Police also impounded 20 unregistered motorcycles during anti-drug operations and other crime prevention initiatives. The report further indicates that five suspects were arrested while in possession of government trophies and wild liferelated items.
Other suspects were found with stolen infrastructure materials belonging to TANESCO and road authorities, counterfeit Kenyan currency, 10 television sets, 25 mobile phones and other property believed to have been stolen.
SACP Muchunguzi said the Police Force continues to strengthen the Community Policing approach through public awareness campaigns aimed at improving cooperation between law enforcement agencies and citizens in preventing crime.
On road safety, he said police arrested 10,028 motorists for violating traffic regulations during the period under review.
He added that nine drivers had their licences suspended after committing serious traffic offences, including excessive speeding.
The regional police commander called on residents to continue cooperating with security organs by reporting suspicious activities and criminal incidents to help maintain peace, security and publi