The Walewale District Police Command in the North East Region has arrested a 25-year-old man, Rafai Tahiru, for allegedly possessing an offensive weapon and inflicting multiple wounds on a victim in Walewale.

According to a police statement, the incident occurred on Saturday, October 4, 2025, when the suspect and two other accomplices who are currently on the run accused the victim of stealing a mobile phone belonging to Tahiru.

The police report indicates that the suspects allegedly tied the victim’s hands and legs, placed him in a tricycle, and assaulted him with canes before inflicting deep machete wounds on his forehead and body.

The victim was rescued by bystanders and rushed to the Walewale Government Hospital for treatment. The suspects fled the scene immediately after the attack.

Acting on intelligence, police officers arrested Rafai Tahiru at his hideout in Tampulungu, a suburb of Walewale, on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

A subsequent search of the suspect’s residence led to the discovery of a blood-stained machete, believed to have been used in the assault.

The police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend the two remaining suspects. Meanwhile, Rafai Tahiru is expected to be arraigned before court as investigations continue.