Indian Ocean Piracy
Somali pirates arrested on Tanzanian beach
(eTN) - Observant villagers alerted police and other security forces when a boat carrying 6 suspected Somali pirates landed nearby their homesteads last week. While the Somalis were trying to bargain for food and water, security operatives arrived and apprehended them, in the process also confiscating a cache of arms on their boat.
It has long been alleged that the increase of piracy cases in the Indian Ocean waters off the extensive Tanzanian coast was partly attributed to pirates making landfall in remote parts where they don’t see signs of much human activity, so that they can restock water and food supplies and then return to the ocean to capture yachts, ships, and cargo vessels, as they slow down while going into port or else slowly depart from Tanzania. In the past, such allegations had been denied by authorities, at times asking media personnel to bring evidence or going as far as suggesting such reports were anti-Tanzanian propaganda. This recent capture, however, will undoubtedly make future reports more credible and maybe have police take swifter action, should more such boats be spotted to land on Tanzanian territory.
The arrest took place last Thursday evening, after the Somalis were first seen in the early afternoon trying to land their boat but struggling with rough waters. After their capture, the alleged pirates also claimed a second boat had capsized in rough sea before, likely drowning another 5 while they were out hunting for opportunistic targets to attack, hijack, and take back to Somalia for ransom.
The 6 arrested men will be produced in court this week and are certainly facing charges for entering the country illegally and being in possession of illegal weapons, while other aspects of the case are being investigated aimed to bring further charges against them.
Comments
Hi,
Thanks for this item. Thanks for focusing on TZ. Tanzania will appreciate non alligned new such as this. Positive and Negative News about a country have always receive positive reactions. If you need any help on getting there yourself so as to cover TZ the way you used to cover Uganda positively, We will be happy to chip in. I know you had a man on the ground and I know Tairo can man up. ofcourse Tanzania and all of emerging East Africa needs your vision and positive contribution too.This Area of Africa is the strong emerging economic block and the West has lots to gain. If China is doing that, what is the problem with the West? They have a necessary role to play too. These countries along the East African Coast can tame Somalias pirates if they get help and ofcourse and necessary if they are equiped and trained. They need empowerment and tools because they know the area better.By using and empowering these Governments,and also by helping people around the coast these sensitive security concerns/ information will go a long way.Tanzania has a very long coastline and security for this gateway can be overlooked for hunger, poverty,health,education concerns.Tanzanians are good people what they need is just motivation and also just like other people, something gotta give! Thanks again for your coverage, stay cool in Hawaii! Justice
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