The Tanzania Police Force said that on Thursday 28 March 2024 the West Urban Police Force arrested 12 people on suspicion of eating during the holy month of Ramadan.
Confirming the arrest of the suspects, the Acting Police Commander of the West Urban Region, Abubakar Khamis Ally said that the young men have been arrested on suspicion of eating during day time in Zanzibar in areas of Mnazi Mmoja and Kikwajuni in Unguja.
“They were arrested on suspicion of eating in public which is an offense according to the Laws and procedures of Zanzibar,” said Mr. Ally.
“Operations and searches will continue to be strengthened to identify and arrest those who will be found breaking the law,” added the Acting Police Commander of the West Urban Region, Abubakar Khamis Ally.
This comes at a time when Muslims are approaching the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadhan, a period believed to be when the holy Quran descended.
With predominantly Muslim population, Zanzibar enforces regulations based on Islamic principles during Ramadhan for both locals and visitors/ tourists.
Meanwhile, the Zanzibar Tourism Commission in a public statement said that it had fined $500 a Francophone Tours and Travel company for violating the guidelines and allowing tourists to eat in public during Ramadan.