POLICE have denied reports by the
international media that link the Muslim cleric Ponda Issa Ponda with
the recent incident of acid attack on two British girls in Zanzibar.
A section of international media has
since Saturday, when reports began filtering that Ponda had been injured
during an attempt to arrest him, been telling the world that the cleric
was being pursued for allegedly being involved in the attack.
The Director of Criminal Investigations
(DCI), Mr Robert Manumba, told the ‘Daily News’ in Dar es Salaam that
“the origin of such information is unknown and questionable’’. “Ponda is
under arrest for hate speeches that instigated chaos in various places
in the country.
We have no proof yet to connect him with
the recent acid attack in Zanzibar or elsewhere in the country,” he
said. Mr Manumba called on anyone with such evidence to let the police
know so that they can launch an investigation.
“I wonder who conveyed such information
to the international media because as far as police are concerned, we
have not made such a statement. We call on any one with evidence on such
allegations to report to the police,” he said.
Ponda is still hospitalized under heavy
police guard at the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) in Dar es
Salaam where he is undergoing post-surgery treatment for the wounds he
sustained on Saturday.
On Monday, police in Dar es Salaam
special zone announced a reward of 100m/- to anyone who will provide
information that will lead to the arrest of perpetrators of incidents of
acid attacks in the country. Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police
Commander Mr Suleiman Kova said in the city that increased incidents of
acid attacks has necessitated the move.
“I request the general public to provide
information that would help the police find the suspects and allow the
law to take its course through mobile telephone number 0754034224,” Mr
Kova pleaded. There has of late been a series of acid attacks on several
individuals, including a prominent local businessman and two British
teenagers, the motive for which is yet to be established as police
continue with investigations.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Issaya
Mngulu, who heads investigation team formed by the National Criminal
Justice Forum to investigate the circumstances under which Ponda was
injured, said the team is currently on field in Morogoro Municipality.
“We are already in Morogoro and the work
has started. But we cannot be certain over when the work will be
concluded,” he said. Mr Mngulu noted that terms of reference for the
investigation have been established but hastened to say that the police
were not ready to share them with the media at this point.
Meanwhile, the British High Commissioner
to Tanzania, Ms Dianna Melrose, commented on the acid attack in
Zanzibar, thanking the government for the pledge it had made to
relentlessly hunt all the culprits.
“I would like to thank the governments
of Tanzania and Zanzibar for their public condemnation of the attack and
their stated determination to leave no stone unturned in finding the
perpetrators -- and ensure that they are brought to justice.
This will reassure British tourists
planning to travel to the island,” she said in a statement. She added:
“Pending police investigations, it would be unwise to leap to
conclusions about the motive for the attack or what it means for foreign
visitors.
Nevertheless, we have updated our Travel
Advice to inform people of the attack and reiterate the need for
caution.” She described the attack as a shocking one and extended her
thoughts and sympathy to the young women and their families while
wishing them speedy recovery. “Zanzibar remains a popular tourist
destination and most visits are trouble free.
British nationals are however encouraged to take care and to read our Travel Advice,” she advised.
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