Tanzanian police have arrested three rangers following the death of a 25-year-old man in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The incident happened on Wednesday morning. According to police, the three men were detained after riding a motorcycle into the protected area without following entry procedures.
They told authorities they were traveling from Arusha to Babati, about 166km away, to attend a funeral and had lost their way.
One of the travelers, Sefu Musa, later died. Another, Salimu Haji, is in hospital in critical condition. The third man, Abdallah Nuru, was able to return to Arusha.
Nuru told local media the group was accused of poaching by rangers as they tried to exit through the park gate. He alleged they were forced to strip, roll on thorny bushes, have water poured over them, and were beaten. He said both Musa and Haji lost consciousness during the assault.
He added that despite his own injuries, he helped get his companions to hospital, where Musa was pronounced dead.
Police confirmed the three rangers have been detained as part of the investigation.
The case has renewed concerns raised by rights groups and local communities about enforcement in Ngorongoro. Past allegations include excessive force, arbitrary arrests, and harassment, as well as the forced relocation of Maasai families who have lived in the area for generations.
Authorities say their actions are intended to protect the conservation zone and uphold park regulations.
