At least ten people have been reported dead in ethnic clashes that occurred on Thursday morning at four villages in Rorya and Tarime districts, Mara region.

Reports said that the clashes were a result of cattle rustling that took place on June 24 at Mang'ore village in Rorya District.

Speaking to The Citizen over the phone on Thursday the acting Mara Regional police Commander, Stephen Buyuya said that the clashes started at around 7.30 am at Kitenga village.

He said that cattle rustlers invaded and stole six cows from Mang'ore village. Residents of Mang'ore who pursued the thieves found three cows at Kitenga village and a fight with the villagers ensued.

He said on the same day more than 70 houses and properties whose value was not identified were destroyed. More people were injured, some seriously and are said to be in critical condition.

Commander Buyuya said that several bodies have been taken to Tarime District hospital and the injuries are undergoing treatment at the same hospital.

Identification of the deceased hasn't been carried out yet, the acting regional police chief said.

"As you can hear women are screaming after learning the deaths of their relatives and we are still collecting more bodies from the bush we have not been able to identify them," he said.

He said in the fight people were using local and crude weapons such as matchets, arrows, bows and stones.

"We anticipate the number of the dead might rise," he said, noting that the situation was still tense as many houses along with food stalls were are still burning.

Reports have it that the minister for Home Affairs Mr Lawrence Masha has cut short his budget session engagement in Dodoma and is coming here to the lead reconciliation meetings.