MWANZA: THE Mwanza Regional Police Force is holding 14 Burundians for staying in Tanzania illegally.
They were arrested while being transported unlawfully using two passenger vehicles in various locations within Sengerema District.
Releasing the report, Mwanza Regional Police Commander, DCP Wilbrod Mutafungwa, said the arrest of the immigrants followed ongoing monitoring of criminal activities and strengthened roadblocks by the police force.
He stated that 13 suspects were arrested in Busisi Village while inside a Tata vehicle with registration number T 337 DYA, owned by Chiza Francis Lugubi, a resident of Dodoma.
The vehicle operates on the route between Kabanga (Ngara, Kagera) and Mwanza.
However, the driver of the vehicle, Jonas Richard, fled immediately after the incident, and efforts to locate him are ongoing. Others arrested for allegedly being involved in the transportation include Mustapher Emily (24), a mechanic from Kahama, and Pendo Matembere (36), a conductor from Nyegezi.
Commander Mutafungwa said that after interrogation, it was established that the immigrants entered the country through the Kabanga border in Kagera Region on November 22, 2025.
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Meanwhile, another suspect, Shadia Japhari Majaliwa (18), a Burundian national, was arrested in the Nyatukara area while inside a Yutong bus with registration number T 131 DRE.
He added that both vehicles have been seized, and the suspects continue to be questioned regarding the illegal transportation.