Tanzanian police on Monday (January 14th) arrested 11 people in connection with a spate of robberies at student hostels, Tanzania's The Guardian reported.

"We arrested 11 suspects on Monday following the crimes including stealing students' property," said Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Suleiman Kova.

The arrests were made after students demonstrated against what they said was police apathy towards a wave of threats and violence targeting student hostels in the neighbourhood.

President of the Institute of Finance Management (IFM) student organisation Michael Charles said students have been reporting incidents for more than a year with no police response.

Kova said three students from the IFM, located in the Kigamboni area, have been appointed to assist with the investigations as part of a community policing initiative. He also asked area residents to co-operate with police investigations into the incidents and to disclose any relevant information they have.

Temeke Regional Police Commander Englebert Kiondo acknowledged that police reports were submitted at least one month ago, and police in Kigamboni failed to respond. Although students have demanded police patrols of the hostels, Kiondo said they are unable to provide this, as the hostels are privately owned.