THIRTEEN people have appeared before Kisutu Resident Magistrate Court charged with economic sabotage, including the theft of copper wires from the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).

Speaking to journalists in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Railway Police Commander Gallus Hyera displayed the stolen wires recovered from various locations.

 He revealed that the suspects include individuals from China, Kenya, and Tanzania, some of whom were employees of the Turkish railway construction company, Yapi Merkez.

Out of those arrested, eight were sent to the Kibaha Resident Magistrate’s Court in the Coast Region, while five appeared before the Kinondoni Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam, all in similar charges of economic sabotage.

Commander Hyera explained that the arrests were the result of extensive intelligence operations, which enabled the police to recover the stolen wires and other railway infrastructure materials.

Among the suspect was the electrical technician employed by Yapi Merkez, who, according to the police, was involved in cutting and stealing the wires.

He further revealed that owners of African Light Investment Company, which operates in Visiga, Mlandizi District, were also arrested.

The company, reportedly owned by individuals from China and Kenya, was found in possession of 882 kilograms of copper wires belonging to the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC).

“I warn anyone planning to sabotage the SGR and other electric infrastructure that stern measures will be taken against them,” Commander Hyera cautioned.

He urged the community to play an active role in protecting railway infrastructure and to report any acts of vandalism or criminal activities.

One month ago, Police in Dodoma Region  arrested six people for allegedly damaging and stealing copper wires from the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) infrastructure in Mpwapwa and Bahi districts, Dodoma Region.

Dodoma Regional Police Commander (RPC) George Katabazi confirmed the arrests, detailing the incidents.

In Mpwapwa District, two suspects, Said Sempinga (39) and Michael Robert (44), both from Kilosa, were caught for damaging SGR infrastructure.

The incident occurred on October 3, 2024, around 5 p.m. in Msagali Village, where the suspects allegedly cut and stole copper wires from three railway bridges.

“Following the incident, the police received reports and initiated an immediate investigation, working closely with the community,” he said.

He added: “This led to the timely arrest of the suspects, who were found in possession of the stolen wires. The investigation is still ongoing and legal action will follow.”

In another incident on October 8, this year, four additional suspects were arrested in Bahi District for attempting to sabotage SGR infrastructure.

The suspects, identified as Said Kapambwe (38), Petro Yassi (22), Michael Leyaseki (27) and Issa Misami (42), were arrested at different times in Bahi market.