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Deploy JKT to fight runaway crime - Kapuya
2006-01-18 08:13:19
By Bilal Abdul-Aziz
Defence and National Service Minister Prof Juma Kapuya has proposed use of the National Service to curb spiralling crime that is currently shaking major towns and cities in the country.
According to Prof Kapuya, the paramilitary force has the capacity to contribute to the fight against runaway crime rates.
The minister made the remarks when he officiated at the opening of the annual meeting of the National Service senior commanders at a Dar es Salaam beach resort yesterday.
Prof Kapuya, who was addressing top officials of the force for the first time since his appointment to the post by President Jakaya Kikwete said:’JKT prepares the youth to join defence and security forces when a need arises.’
He made the proposal in response to increased complaints that some police officers collude with thugs to carry out armed robbery.
Prof Kapuya’s comments come in the awake of a spate of crime incidents, particularly armed robberies, in Dar es Salaam and other major towns in the country.
He noted that the youth who go through JKT merit placement in the police force.
’In JKT camps, the youths are conditioned to endure all sorts of survival difficulties and disasters such as floods, fire and accidents, including violent robberies,’ explained Prof Kapuya.
The Police Force falls under the new Ministry of Public Safety and Security, a docket handled by Harith Bakari Mwapachu.
It, therefore, falls outside Prof Kapuya’s jurisdiction.
Regarding the economy sector, Prof Kapuya commended JKT for imparting in youths skills that enable them to be self-dependent.
He also hailed the force for its outstanding contribution to the construction industry, which he said had created many jobs for the people.
The JKT head, Maj-Gen Davis Mwamunyange, briefed the minister about activities done by the force last year, including agricultural programmes, service delivery and construction projects.
He promised Prof Kapuya that the meeting of top commanders, expected to go on for one week, would review the work done in the past year, work out strategies for accomplishing unfinished projects and draw new programmes for this year.
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