Dar Es Salaam - Safety

Safety

Safety has become a noticeable feature in Dar es Salaam and many other Tanzanian cities. Dar es Salaam is one of the safest large cities in East Africa. Homicides are rare, even in the poor areas of Dar es Salaam. Chain snatching is relatively common in the kariakoo area. Although pick pocketers frequent the City Centre and Dala Dalas and prey especially on foreigners, there are rarely reports of violent crimes. Unfortunately, the relative poverty in Dar es Salaam drives some people to steal from small store-owners. These crimes are usually taken into the hands of individual citizens who usually feel that street justice is the only way for the thief to learn his or her lesson. Street justice can be fatal to the petty thief. Sometimes innocent people are beaten and occasionally killed for crimes that they did not commit. The distrust in the police and their corrupt ways is one of the reasons why citizens take matters into their own hands. One might argue that the fear of stealing for most Tanzanians is morally positive, while others might argue that the accused deserves a fair trial under the law. Because of this and many other factors, Dar es Salaam has become an exceptional city when it comes to safety, whether it be fear or simply a culture of peace.