POLICE have stepped up patrols and are hunting for suspects after several sheds/houses (Barza) used by political party fans were torched in a suspected hate crime.
The sheds (houses) are normally made of poles, and thatched by grass/coconut leaves, which makes it easy to catch fire.
The Civic United Front (CUF) has been the latest to suffer after its deputy Secretary General Mr Nassor Ahmed Mazrui listed the burned barza as Kilimahewa in Unguja, and in Pemba Island: Mkanyageni- Mkoani, Kiwapwa-Ziwani, Kiuyu Minungwini- Kojani, Wingwi, and Kinowe.
“We reported the incidents to the police. We ask the police to arrest and charge all the people linked to the burning of our ‘houses’ which contained many properties including important documents and furniture,” Mr Mazrui said.The torching of the CUF Barzas in Pemba took place on Saturday night; three days after unknown thugs planted a home-made explosive, which went-off damaging a container owned by Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Youths at Michenzani on Unguja Island.
Several leaders Including President Ali Mohamed Shein, Second Vice-President Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi, and the deputy Minister for Internal affairs Mr Hamad Masauini visited Michenzani (popular as MwembeKisonge Maskani) after the blast, all condemning the act and vowing to arrest the suspects.
“There are some people who are trying to threaten others into not voting on March 20, this year. We will make sure that the elections are peaceful.
I appeal to people in Zanzibar to remain stable,” said Dr Shein. According to the deputy Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) responsible for Zanzibar, Mr Salum Msangi, several people are being questioned alongside collecting evidence before arrest follows.
“These incidents are very close or linked to the upcoming polls on March 20. There are some youths going around threatening people including torching the structures/sheds or making explosives.
We will arrest them,” Mr Msangi vowed. Mr Msangi also appealed to members of the public to help expose the youths engaged in issuing threats, and that every good citizen has a role to play in the security of the country.
Both CCM and CUF members have been accusing each other of being behind the criminal incidents.
‘Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC)’ authorities are finalizing arrangements for the Fresh elections which follow the nullification of the October 25, 2015 general polls after fraud allegations.
However, the main opposition party, CUF, is opposing the re-run saying it’s their candidate Mr Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad who won the last October elections, and he should be sworn-in as the new Zanzibar president.
/Daily News.
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