Joseph Isangura
Authorities in Tanzania have arrested 15 individuals in connection with the vandalism of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and electricity infrastructure.
Among those apprehended are a Chinese national and a Kenyan. The suspects are accused of stealing over 14 tonnes of copper cables, allegedly sold as scrap metal.
Speaking about the arrests, Railway Police Unit Commander Gallus Hyera confirmed that 13 suspects have already been taken to court. He explained that the thefts involved the deliberate cutting of copper cables along the SGR tracks in several locations.
“These criminal activities are driven by a few greedy individuals looking to make quick money,” Mr. Hyera said.
The arrests followed joint operations by the Railway Police Unit and other security agencies after receiving intelligence about the sabotage. Investigations revealed that some of the suspects had previously worked as technicians or casual laborers during the railway’s construction. Their experience gave them insider knowledge, which they allegedly used to steal the cables.
Mr. Hyera also pointed out the role of scrap metal traders in fueling these crimes. “Some buyers have even placed agents in multiple areas to ensure a constant supply of stolen copper cables,” he said.
In one operation on November 28, five suspects were arrested in Chalinze, Coast Region, with seven kilograms of copper cables. Among them was an electrician employed by a company contracted for the SGR project. He is accused of stealing cables from various sites.
Additional operations led to significant seizures, including nearly four tonnes of copper cables recovered from a scrap metal dealer in Visiga, Mlandizi District. More arrests were made in Mkuranga and Dar es Salaam, where authorities discovered stolen materials, including copper bars and flat bars created by melting cables.
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The theft has caused disruptions to the SGR’s operations. Felix Mutashobya, the Signal and Telecom Manager at Tanzania Railways Corporation, explained that the stolen cables are critical for the railway’s signaling systems. Their absence has led to delays and safety concerns, costing the government significant amounts to replace them.
Commander Hyera condemned the acts, urging the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities. Authorities are now cracking down on the scrap metal trade to prevent the sale of stolen infrastructure materials.
“These arrests show our commitment to protecting national infrastructure and ensuring that those responsible face justice,” Mr. Hyera said.
The government is determined to safeguard key projects like the SGR, a vital link in the country’s transportation network.
