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DAR ES SALAAM. — Tanzanian police have arrested 10 businessmen in Njombe and Makambako towns in the east African nation’s southern highlands in connection with the recent killing of 10 children, the speaker of the National Assembly Job Ndugai, said on Monday.

The speaker announced the arrest as four more children were reportedly killed in Njombe region over the weekend, bringing to 14 the number of children killed in the region over superstitious beliefs. Ndugai appealed to the government to present in the National Assembly a detailed report on what was going on in Njombe region and on measures taken to contain the situation.

“Security organs must team up to end the brutal killings of innocent children. The government should table its report in the House by the end of this week,” the speaker said, adding that such grisly incidences tarnished the country’s image.

Joram Hongoli a member of Parliament for Lupembe constituency, said the situation in Njombe region is tense and that businesses are at a standstill over fears. Parents have stopped working to escort their children to and from school, he said.

The legislator warned that failure to address the problem would result in the killing of many more people as residents have started attacking people they suspected to be involved in killing the children. “Two people have been allegedly killed by angry mobs in Ludewa and Waning’ombe areas,” said Hongoli, adding that several others have been attacked and injured after they were suspected to be the killers of the children.

Jenista Mhagama, minister of state in the Prime Minister’s office responsible for policy, parliamentary affairs, labour, employment, youth and the disabled, said the government needs more time “to come up with a detailed report of what has been done so far.”

Last week, Minister for Home Affairs Kangi Lugola associated the killings of children in Njombe with superstitious beliefs. He said security organs have identified some of the people involved in the killings and that they would be arraigned soon. — Xinhua.