Explosive detonated in Zanzibar

LAW enforcers in Zanzibar are investigating a “suspicious explosive” that went off on Friday night at Michenzani-Mwembekisonge, police said.

“We heard a big blast after mid-night on Friday. People who were already asleep woke up and visited the scene,” said Mr Shaaban Said, who lives near the scene.

He said before the explosion occurred he saw about six youths in a car in the area. The device damaged part of a container used to store property owned by members of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).

Michenzani is always a busy area where youths from major political parties gather to discuss politics. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mkadam Khamis Mkadam said they are treating the incident as a criminal act.

“We ask anyone with information which can lead to the arrest of suspects to come out and help in the investigation, he said. “It appears to be a homemade explosive.

However, bomb disposal officers are investigating,” said Mr Mkadam who is the Regional Police Commander (RPC) for Urban- West Region.

His boss, the Police Commissioner for Zanzibar, Mr Hamdan Omar, said security will be boosted ahead of the March 20 election.

The second Vice President, Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi, visited the scene and condemned the act saying the government will not spare anyone who will try to cause fear before the re-run polls.

“I ask people to work closely with security officers to expose suspicious elements and their movements,” he said.

/Daily News.