The nine comprise three women and six men.

Salima police spokesperson, Sub inspector Jacob Khembo, told Zodiak Online that the nine dreadlock rastas were earlier brought to the station in Sengabay by community policing members.

However, as police investigated the matter, members of the community around Mtengowamoto came to the police station December 9^th demanding release of the nine rastafarians.

“The crowd started stoning the office. The lives of the rastas were at stake, so police fired teargas to disperse the angry community. The nine were the transferred to Salima (boma) Police Station for refuge while investigations are still underway,” said Khembo.

However, the irate community proceeded to burn office property such as chairs, tables, bicycles some files and office books.

Police has since appealed against people taking the law in their own hands as doing so is also against the law.