The Tanzania Police Force has issued a public alert warning that foreign nationals have been entering the country through unofficial routes with the intent to commit crimes, including acts of violence and unrest.
In a statement released on Sunday from police headquarters in Dodoma, the force said it had received credible reports of non-citizens disguising themselves as workers engaged in various occupations, such as boda boda riders, while secretly plotting illegal activities.
According to the statement, the individuals have been sighted in several regions including Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Mwanza, Songwe and other parts of the country. Police urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any unfamiliar individuals or suspicious movements to local authorities.
“The Police Force continues to monitor and take stern legal action against anyone found harboring or associating with foreigners of questionable conduct,” the statement read. Citizens who accommodate such individuals in their homes or business premises risk facing severe legal consequences.
The statement further called on local government officials, regional police commanders and station heads to maintain close coordination with the public and act promptly on reports of suspicious activity.
Police have provided a hotline number, 0699998899, for citizens to report information that could help in ongoing investigations.
Assuring the public of their safety, police emphasized that security agencies are working jointly to ensure Tanzania remains peaceful and secure despite the recent tensions surrounding the general elections held on October 29.
“The Police Force reassures all Tanzanians that, in cooperation with other security organs, we are committed to maintaining the safety and stability of our nation,” the statement concluded.
The warning comes amid heightened political sensitivity and security concerns across several regions following last week’s disputed polls.
Protests erupted across several regions following Wednesday’s vote, with witnesses reporting violent confrontations between demonstrators and police.
Crowds tore down posters of President Hassan, set government buildings ablaze, and clashed with security forces who responded with tear gas and live ammunition.
CHADEMA claimed on Friday that hundreds had been killed in the unrest, though the UN human rights office put the confirmed death toll at ten, spread across three cities.
Reuters said it could not independently verify the figures. Human rights groups have also cited widespread arrests and abductions of opposition figures in the lead-up to the polls.
The government dismissed the opposition’s death toll as “hugely exaggerated” and defended its handling of the elections, insisting that order and security must be maintained.
