A governor in Tanzania has announced the creation of a surveillance squad dedicated to hunting down gay people.

The governor of the economic capital Dar es Salaam, Paul Makonda says round‑ups would begin next week.

The BBC reports the team will scrutinise social media in order to track down and arrest same sex couples.

Homosexual acts are illegal in Tanzania, where anti‑gay rhetoric has been on the rise since President John Magufuli's election in 2015.

Many gay, lesbian and transgender people are forced to hide their sexuality as a result.

Last year, the country's deputy health minister defended a threat to publish a list of gay people.

HIV clinics have also been forced to close after being accused of promoting homosexuality.

[Source: BBC]