The Tanzanian government, religious leaders discuss the eradication of crime

Dodoma. In response to the crime incidents that occur in the community, the Government has held a special meeting with religious leaders with the aim of controlling crime incidents.

Speaking at the meeting held in Dodoma today, May 17, 2024, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Engineer Hamad Masauni, has asked the religious leaders to continue to help and never tire of advising the Government in maintaining peace and security.

“The responsibility of the Police Force is to ensure that the protection of citizens and their property is strengthened and peace reigns in the country to enable citizens to carry out their economic and social activities.”

“In carrying out that duty, the Police Force in cooperation with the community and other stakeholders in the period from July, 2023 to April, 2024, major criminal offenses reported in Police stations have decreased from 45,485 to 43,146 equal to five percent compared to the period of 2022/23 .

“Therefore, I ask the religious leaders to support the Government in the areas where you are coming from by reprimanding in order to control crime.”

Speaking at the meeting, the Grand Mufti of Tanzania, Sheikh Abubakari Zubeir said it is a good decision for the Government to involve religious leaders in the fight against crime, while asking them not to tire of calling them when various problems arise in order to continue strengthening the relationship.

Speaking about the registration of religious institutions, the Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mbeya and the President of the Council of Catholic Bishops of Tanzania (TEC), Gervas Nyaisonga has said that the Government should review the constitutions of various religious groups.

“Through our constitutions, the Government will know the basis of the activities of these religious institutions in order to avoid some crimes that also occur in some institutions or religious groups,” said Nyaisonga.

And the Head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (KKKT), Bishop Dr. Alex Malasusa has said that the Government has now found a place to talk and set joint strategies with religious leaders.

“At the moment, we religious leaders and the Government can talk and set joint strategies in the fight against crime and agree on the resolutions reached, in order to maintain peace and security in the country,” said Dr. Malasusa.