Police shoot man after bank confrontation

MWANZA: A MAN, estimated to be between 30 and 35 years old, has died after being shot by police following an alleged attempt to steal money at CRDB Bank’s Rock City Mall branch in Ilemela District.

Speaking at his office yesterday, Mwanza Regional Police Commander Wilbroad Mutafungwa said the incident occurred on September 13, 2026, at around 1:58pm after the man entered the bank posing as a customer.

According to Commander Mutafungwa, the man, whose identity and place of residence remain unknown, was wearing a cap, long-sleeved shirt, black jeans and open-toed shoes. He said upon reaching the customer service area, the man asked an attendant for money, claiming that he needed it for food.

The attendant explained the procedures for depositing and withdrawing money, but the man persisted in demanding cash. Sensing danger, the attendant went to seek assistance from colleagues.

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However, the man jumped over the counter and headed towards the cashcounting rooms, pushing the attendant and forcing his way inside with her.

The incident caused panic among bank staff and customers. Mutafungwa said security officers guarding the bank arrived at the scene and ordered the man to surrender, but he refused and engaged them in a struggle, attempting to move closer and seize their weapons.

“The officers realised that the man harboured hostile intentions, so they decided to neutralise the threat by shooting him,” he said. He said the bullet struck the man on his right side, between the waist and leg, causing severe blood loss. He died while being transported to hospital.

The body has been preserved at the Sekou-Toure Regional Referral Hospital mortuary pending identification and further investigations. Mutafungwa said a search of the deceased found a black Samsung mobile phone and 500/- in cash.

The Mwanza Regional Police Force is continuing with investigations into the incident and warned people engaging in criminal activities that legal action would be taken against anyone found violating the law.