Police in Tanzania have launched a hunt after seven people were killed and an unspecified number of firearms stolen when armed gangsters attacked a major police station in Dar es Salaam.

Four officers stationed at Stakishari Police Station in Ukonga, Ilala District in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, and two civilians were shot dead during the raid. The seventh person was believed to be a member of the gang, who was gunned down by his accomplices as they fired indiscriminately during their escape.

Inspector General of Police Ernest Mangu declined to state the number of guns stolen during the raid, saying investigations were still going on, but reliable sources said the gang fled with more than 20 firearms.

The gangsters also stole a “large amount” of ammunition during the Sunday night raid, which was the latest in a series of attacks on police stations in various parts of the country in recent months.

A group of people, whose number could not be immediately established, reportedly arrived at the police station at around 10.45pm (+3GMT), posing as civilians who wanted service at the Charge Room Office (CRO).

Escaped unhurt

Mr Mangu said as officers on night shift were about to ask the strangers to identify themselves before deciding whether to allow them in, the gangsters opened fire without warning. Gunfire rent the air as the gangsters and police officers fought sparking panic in the neighbourhood.

Four of the six officers on duty died at the scene, Mr Mangu said.

An eyewitness who lives near the station told The Citizen that a woman police escaped unhurt when she hid in the women’s cell.

Another officer was shot in the shoulder and is admitted at Amana Hospital along with three civilians, who were also wounded in the raid.

Reports said after killing the officers, the gangsters broke into the police station’s armoury and grabbed all firearms stored in the room. They also took an unspecified amount of ammunition.

Mr Mangu visited the station at around 11am accompanied by Dar es Salaam Special Police Zone Commander Suleiman Kova and police spokesperson Advera Bulimba.