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Makamba blames rise in crime on bars, guesthouses
2006-02-15 07:53:58
By Pascal Shao
Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Yusuf Makamba waded into debate over increased crime, saying guesthouses and bars in the city are popular hideouts for gangsters.
Makamba, who was recently reappointed to the position, made the claims during a meeting with owners of guesthouses and bars in Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam.
The meeting was also attended by Regional Police Commander, Alfred Tibaigana, and officials of the Regional Defence and Security Committee.
’You can make a major contribution to the fight against crime. This task can not be left to the police alone,’ he told them.
Makamba urged guesthouse and bar owners in Kinondoni District to assist the police in the fight against armed robberies.
He said bar owners were a major problem because some of them extended operating hours past midnight, thus providing an ideal opportunity for thugs to commit crimes.
He said that the fact that some guesthouses and bars are used as hideouts by robbers, bar owners are better-placed to inform the police when they receive suspicious guests.
The RC urged bar owners to revisit the laws and regulations governing bar operations to know when they are supposed to open and close.
’I’m not the one who made this law; bars are to be closed by 11pm but you operate beyond midnight,’he said.
’From today on, the laws and regulations of the bars are to be adhered to. Bars should be opened and closed in accordance with the law,’he said.
He said that bar owners do not bother to keep telephone numbers of the police and district commissioners, urged them to find ways of informing the RPC and the district commissioners when a crime occurs.
The regional commissioner questioned the significance of nightclubs when armed robbery has peaked in Dar es Salaam, saying he would communicate the matter to the ministry concerned to address it.
He also urged the police, ward executive officers and DCs not to harass bar patrons and workers.
Tibaigana told the bar and guesthouse owners to be wary of customers who look suspicious.
’Do not fear to give the information. Send reports to whoever you trust – RPC, the DC or police officers,’ he said.
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