Award announced to the one who will provide in formation for the acid attackers in Zanzibar but not for the Shekh Ponda's shooters

Ponda, acid attack ‘not linked’ The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mr Robert Manumba. POLICE have denied reports by the international media that link the Muslim cleric Ponda Issa Ponda with the recent incident of acid attack on two British girls in Zanzibar. A section of international media has since Saturday, when reports began filtering that Ponda had been injured during an attempt to arrest him, been telling the world that the cleric was being pursued for allegedly being involved in the attack. The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Mr Robert Manumba, told the ‘Daily News’ in Dar es Salaam that “the origin of such information is unknown and questionable’’. “Ponda is under arrest for hate speeches that instigated chaos in various places in the country. We have no proof yet to connect him with the recent acid attack in Zanzibar or elsewhere in the country,” he said. Mr Manumba called on anyone with such evidence to let the police know so that they can launch an investigation. “I wonder who conveyed such information to the international media because as far as police are concerned, we have not made such a statement. We call on any one with evidence on such allegations to report to the police,” he said. Ponda is still hospitalized under heavy police guard at the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) in Dar es Salaam where he is undergoing post-surgery treatment for the wounds he sustained on Saturday. On Monday, police in Dar es Salaam special zone announced a reward of 100m/- to anyone who will provide information that will lead to the arrest of perpetrators of incidents of acid attacks in the country. Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Mr Suleiman Kova said in the city that increased incidents of acid attacks has necessitated the move. “I request the general public to provide information that would help the police find the suspects and allow the law to take its course through mobile telephone number 0754034224,” Mr Kova pleaded. There has of late been a series of acid attacks on several individuals, including a prominent local businessman and two British teenagers, the motive for which is yet to be established as police continue with investigations. Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Issaya Mngulu, who heads investigation team formed by the National Criminal Justice Forum to investigate the circumstances under which Ponda was injured, said the team is currently on field in Morogoro Municipality. “We are already in Morogoro and the work has started. But we cannot be certain over when the work will be concluded,” he said. Mr Mngulu noted that terms of reference for the investigation have been established but hastened to say that the police were not ready to share them with the media at this point. Meanwhile, the British High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ms Dianna Melrose, commented on the acid attack in Zanzibar, thanking the government for the pledge it had made to relentlessly hunt all the culprits. “I would like to thank the governments of Tanzania and Zanzibar for their public condemnation of the attack and their stated determination to leave no stone unturned in finding the perpetrators -- and ensure that they are brought to justice. This will reassure British tourists planning to travel to the island,” she said in a statement. She added: “Pending police investigations, it would be unwise to leap to conclusions about the motive for the attack or what it means for foreign visitors. Nevertheless, we have updated our Travel Advice to inform people of the attack and reiterate the need for caution.” She described the attack as a shocking one and extended her thoughts and sympathy to the young women and their families while wishing them speedy recovery. “Zanzibar remains a popular tourist destination and most visits are trouble free. British nationals are however encouraged to take care and to read our Travel Advice,” she advised. The fact is the police trying to absorb the Shekh Ponda's matter with the girls acidic matter,why could he be arrested after being shooted why not before? There something they want to do against the justice .