Friday, November 1, 2013

Man killed, others injured in anti-poaching drive in Katavi



By Katare Mbashiru,The Citizen

Posted  Friday, November 1  2013 
In Summary
The angry legislator accused the anti-poaching unit of abusing human rights and called for immediate government intervention.
Dar es Salaam. The ongoing operation to flush out poachers has alledgedly claimed the life of another man in Mlele District, Katavi Region.
Madirisha Mchagula was allegedly killed as he attempted to block police from searching his home along with anti-poaching unit officers.
In the incident, Madirisha’s brother, Mr Jitafura Mchagula and other Ruchima villagers were seriously wounded as the officers pursued them.
Majimoto Ward councilor Nyasongo Serengeti and Mamba division officer Rioba Shomari were among those who were seriously injured.
The revelation of the killing was made yesterday in Parliament by Mpanda Special Seats MP, Pudenciana Kikwembe (CCM), when debating the 2014/2015 national economic development plan.
The angry legislator accused the anti-poaching unit of abusing human rights and called for immediate government intervention.
In another development, four people were yesterday arraigned before a Kilimanjaro court charged with poaching-related offences. They include prominent businessman Mohammed Hatiki.
So far, various people have reportedly been killed in different regions putting the government to fierce criticism.
Already, the coordinator of the Tanzania Pastoralist Community Forum, Mr Joseph ole Parsambei, has threatened to go to court to stop the exercise if human rights violations continue.
Yesterday, civil societies that spoke to The Citizen hit out at the government for gross violation of human rights including the killing of innocent people.
Although they supported the operation, they insisted that it should be conducted in accordance with the laws of the country to ensure that people’s lives are protected.
Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition coordinator Onesmo Olengurumwa told The Citizen that what the anti-poaching unit--which is comprised of the police, the army and intelligence officers was doing was against the Constitution

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