MTWARA: POLICE in Mtwara Region are holding two men, Abdallah Fadhili (24), a resident of Chuno, and Isihaka Hamisi (26), a resident of Likonde, both motorcycle taxi riders (bodaboda), on suspicion of spreading false information and causing public panic.
Speaking on the incident, the Mtwara Regional Police Commander, Issa Suleiman, said the suspects are being held at Mtwara Central Police Station after alleging that a young man had stolen their genitals.
He explained that the incident occurred on April 5, 2026, in Shangani Ward, Veta Street, where the young man—identified as a first-year student at Mzumbe University, who was in the region on holiday—approached one of the riders to inquire about transport fare from Veta to Kokobichi.
However, the rider suddenly began shouting, claiming his genitals had been taken, with his colleague making similar allegations, triggering widespread panic among residents.
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As a result of the claims, some members of the public assaulted the young man using stones and sticks before taking him to Mtwara Central Police Station, accusing him of being involved in the alleged act.
Commander Suleiman said preliminary investigations have established that the claims were false and that the suspects were not physically harmed.
Police have urged the public to disregard rumours and warned against spreading unverified information, noting that such actions can endanger innocent lives due to misguided beliefs.