POLICE are holding 37 suspects for allegedly setting fire to four police officers' houses, following a fracas pitting 'wananchi' against the law enforcers on Thursday at Kibiti area in Rufiji District, Coast Region.

Coast Regional Police Commander (RPC), Ulrich Matei told the 'Daily News on Saturday' that the suspects will be arraigned on Monday for staging illegal demonstration and destruction of property.

"Four officers' houses were burnt to ashes during the riots," said the RPC.

RPC Matei said violence broke out after a young man named Hamis Mpondi was allegedly beaten and killed by the police. He said police fired tear gas canisters to disperse the rioters who had set barricades on Kilwa Road, using a pile of stones and burning tyres.

Mpondi was detained by the police after he was suspected to be in possession of illegal drugs. "However, the suspect was reported to have died at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) where he was referred for medical treatment after being taken ill while in custody," he further said.