Diva, Niffer arrested over Kariakoo catastrophe fundraising scandal
DAR ES SALAAM: The Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone has arrested two people in reference to unauthorized fundraising actions associated to the current Kariakoo constructing collapse.
The suspects, Diva Malinzi (36), a resident of Mikocheni, and Jenifer Bilikwija alias ‘Niffer’ (25), a resident of Salasala who was apprehended in Dodoma and transferred to Dar es Salaam, are accused of unlawfully accumulating cash underneath the pretext of catastrophe aid utilizing private financial institution accounts.
Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Jumanne Muliro confirmed the arrests on Tuesday, stating that the suspects are underneath interrogation.
He defined that whereas the federal government and personal sector are working tirelessly to rescue these trapped underneath the rubble; reviews emerged of people exploiting the catastrophe to solicit funds illegally.
“The suspects are being thoroughly questioned. The police reiterate that we will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who exploits disasters as an opportunity to profit,” Commander Muliro emphasised.
He added that the police are collaborating with different authorized authorities to find out further measures in opposition to the suspects.
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Speaking on Monday throughout a farewell ceremony for the 16 victims of the Kariakoo constructing collapse, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa reiterated that the federal government has not licensed any non-public fundraising associated to the incident.
He emphasised that donations ought to solely be directed to an account established by the Disaster Management Committee underneath the Prime Minister’s Office.
To facilitate contributions, the federal government has arrange a particular National Relief Fund account on the Bank of Tanzania particularly for the Kariakoo tragedy.
