Tanzanian police have questioned several top celebrities suspected of involvement in drug trafficking and abuse as part of an ongoing crackdown on the narcotics trade.
Former Miss Tanzania Wema Sepetu, singer Khalid Mohammed alias TID, Dogo Hamidu, and Babuu wa Kitaa were among those who appeared at the central police station in Dar es Salaam for questioning.
The Tanzanian Ministry of Internal Security had earlier issued a press statement summoning six celebrities to the central police station, including Nassib Abdul, popularly known as Diamond Platinumz, Emmanuel Elibariki, Rehema Chalamila, also known as Ray C, Wema Sepetu’s fiancé Idris Sultan, Azan Zungu, Abas Mtevu, and Rugemarila Mutahaba.
Summoned Individuals ¶
- Nassib Abdul (Diamond Platinumz)
- Emmanuel Elibariki
- Rehema Chalamila (Ray C)
- Idris Sultan
- Azan Zungu
- Abas Mtevu
- Rugemarila Mutahaba
Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda added the names of three police officers, one musician, and four other individuals to the list, stating that three police officers had shared TSh1 billion obtained from drug trafficking.
Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Nape Nnauye cautioned that the crackdown should be handled carefully to avoid damaging the reputations of the celebrities, emphasizing that most of those listed are victims of drug use.
"They are as sick as other victims of drug abuse, the difference is that they have big names and we all know them, but we have to be as compassionate as possible so as to help them win their fight and become sober again." - Nape Nnauye
Minister Nnauye noted that the artists and other victims are innocent until proven otherwise, urging caution in handling the situation to prevent irreparable damage to their reputations.
The recovered account cited reporting by Nairobi News.
