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Armed robbery: Isles deploy soldiers on streets
2006-07-17 09:01:34
By Guardian Reporter, Zanzibar
In its attempt to curb armed robbery, the Zanzibar Government has said it is deploying soldiers from the JKU and KVZ armed forces, to supplement the police efforts in stamping out crime.
The soldiers will be on guard at business centres, road junctions and related places around the clock.
Urban West Regional Police Commander Bakar Khatib Shaaban, said police and the armed forces would conduct 24- hour joint operations.
The tough measure, never seen in recent times, save for last year, during the general elections, follows a series of armed robbery, in which enterprises owned by prominent businesspersons - including Mohamed Raza, were robbed of millions and valuables.
’’The government has decided to ’pool resources’ between police and soldiers to flash out criminals ,’’ said the RPC.
The idea is to rid the Isles of armed robbery, he said, but insisted that the armed forces would work under the instructions of the police force.
’’We want to clear the streets of Zanzibar of armed criminals,’’ he said, warning that cars would be stopped and checked.
He however, did not say when the operation would come to an end.
The RPC confirmed that several youths have been arrested in connection with the recent incident of armed robbery at Alhabsy shop.
About two weeks ago, JKU soldiers rescued businessmen Mohamed Raza, from a cross-fire with armed robbers who had attempted to raid his house.
Despite some few complaints from drivers, majority of people backed the government operation, saying it would slow down criminal incidents.
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