Vandals Destroy Nyerere Statue in Tabora

 Unknown individuals have vandalized and destroyed a statue of the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, located in Matola Street, Chemchem Ward, Tabora Municipality.

The statue was severely damaged overnight, with the vandals making off with the head of the statue as well as the iconic staff that Nyerere held during his time as a leader.

Speaking about the incident on Saturday, September 21, 2024, Tabora Regional Police Commander Richard Abwao confirmed the event and stated that investigations are already underway to identify those responsible.

“When we arrived at the scene and conducted a thorough inspection, it was evident that the statue had been broken and removed from its pedestal. The vandals broke it into three pieces, and they took away the head along with the staff, which was made of concrete,” Commander Abwao said.

He further explained that the location of the statue posed security challenges due to the lack of guards and lighting. “We found a piece of cloth and a pair of black trousers at the scene, but the staff and head were completely removed. We are continuing with our investigation, and we expect to gather more details on the circumstances surrounding this incident,” he added.

Read More; Lawyer Heche Urges Police Restraint Amid Protests Tomorrow

The damage was discovered in the morning when local residents noticed that the statue had been toppled. So far, no arrests have been made, but the police are intensifying their efforts and calling on the public to assist with any information that could help in the investigation.

The statue of Mwalimu Nyerere holds significant value for the people of Tabora, serving as a symbol of respect and the legacy of the leader who guided Tanzania through its independence movement.