Police in Mwanza have apprehended a 24-year-old man, Lameck Masanja, suspected of perpetrating a series of attacks on houses in Kitangiri, Ibungiro, and Pasiansi wards in Ilemela District. According to Mwanza Regional Police Commander Wilbrod Mutafungwa, Masanja smashed windows at 16 houses and set fire to six others, affecting a total of 22 houses. The incidents occurred at night, with the suspect leaving his phone number at the targeted houses and demanding money from the victims in exchange for stopping the destruction.
The attacks began with Masanja smashing windows at houses, but when residents refused to pay him, he resorted to arson, using petrol to set houses on fire. Mutafungwa stated that the suspect would leave his phone number at the houses he targeted, prompting some victims to contact him. However, when the residents refused to comply with his demands, Masanja changed his approach and started setting houses on fire. The police commander noted that some of the affected houses had their living rooms, bedrooms, and household belongings destroyed by fire, causing significant losses to the owners.
A total of 22 houses were affected in the incidents, with six set on fire and 16 having their windows smashed. Fortunately, no deaths were reported. Mutafungwa expressed relief that the suspect was apprehended in Isamilo North, where he was living. During a search, police found an Itel mobile phone containing a SIM card with the number reportedly used to communicate with residents targeted in the incidents.
Police also seized several items they believe were used in carrying out the offences, including scissors allegedly used to break or gain access to houses and petrol linked to the arson incidents. According to Mutafungwa, Masanja was unemployed and had dropped out of school in Form Two. He allegedly told police during questioning that he stayed at home during the day and went out at night to carry out the offences.
The police commander further alleged that Masanja confessed to the incidents during questioning, stating that he was seeking income through illegal means. The suspect's arrest has brought relief to some residents, who said they had been living in fear following the repeated incidents of property destruction and arson. Residents had taken additional measures to secure their windows, with some even removing glass and installing wire mesh.
Some of the victims expressed gratitude to the police for their efforts in apprehending the suspect. Adelina Anthony, one of the victims, said her windows were smashed twice, forcing her and others to stay awake late into the night out of fear that their homes could be attacked. Another resident, Adventina Christfol, said the incidents had frightened her so much that she left her home and stayed with neighbours.
The arrest of Masanja has brought an end to the series of attacks, and residents can now feel more secure in their homes. The police are expected to present Masanja in court to face charges related to the incidents. Key points:
Key points
- A 24-year-old man, Lameck Masanja, was arrested in Mwanza for smashing windows at 16 houses and setting fire to six others.
- A total of 22 houses were affected in the incidents, with no deaths reported.
- The suspect, who was unemployed and had dropped out of school in Form Two, allegedly carried out the offences at night, seeking income through illegal means.
