Dowa Police Station has arrested 12 people of different nationalities, including minors, for allegedly committing various offences within Dzaleka Refugee Camp.

According to Dowa Police Station Public Relations Officer Alice Sitima, the group includes two Congolese nationals — Geofrey Sumaili (18) and Chris Pululu (20) — who were apprehended on suspicion of having sexual intercourse with a minor.

Sitima said the remaining 10 suspects, aged between 14 and 33, were arrested for offences such as robbery, theft, harbouring criminals, possession of property suspected to have been stolen, and engaging in unlawful sexual activities. She added that all the suspects were living in one house, from which they allegedly operated at night to commit crimes.

The arrests followed a weekend intelligence‑led operation by the Dzaleka Police Unit, which targeted recent security concerns in the camp.

Dzaleka Chief Security Officer Serial Ganbi has since urged parents and guardians to take a more active role in guiding their children, noting a worrying rise in minors being used by adults to carry out unlawful activities.

Speaking to Yetu Radio, Ganbi said security challenges are expected in a multicultural community like Dzaleka, but stressed that maintaining order requires strong community involvement. He encouraged residents to report suspicious behaviour instead of waiting for police intervention.

Ganbi also commended the police for their swift response, describing the operation as a timely step in addressing recent security lapses.

Police say all 12 suspects will appear in court soon to answer the charges laid against them.