Tanzanian authorities on Monday said they have arrested 15 Zambians in Tunduma on the Tanzania-Zambia border in connection with various crimes, including stealing from businessmen and smuggling of goods.
Jomimasa Nsido, a senior official with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in Songwe region, said the arrest sparked riots from the Zambian side of the border.
Nsido said some Zambians burned car-tyres in the middle of the Tanzania-Zambia highway, demanding the release of their 15 colleagues.
“The arrest of the 15 Zambians is part of a campaign aimed at ensuring that the area remained safe for doing business,’’ the official said, adding that most of the suspects were arrested over the weekend.
She said the operation to arrest criminals was being supervised by Songwe region’s security and defence committee in collaboration with TRA.
Juma Irando, Momba district commissioner in Songwe region, said authorities from both countries were meeting to resolve the issue.
“People on both sides of the border should abide by laws in both countries,’’ Irando said.
He said that authorities in Momba district in the Tanzanian side and their counterparts from Nakonde resolved to hand over the 15 Zambians to authorities in the neighbouring country for legal action.
NAN
