Reward for return of stolen property

I am a modern beauty salon owner based in Dar es Salaam. This salon was famous for its elegant interior design and bespoke services. Last month,we had an unfortunate incident and my beauty salon was mistakenly targeted. The surveillance camera did not capture anything, as the people who took items from the salon were wearing masks. I have reported the incident to the police, but so far, we have not found anything. In the hope of finding my lost property, I have posted posters at the front of the salon offering a monetary reward for the return of the lost items. A local government official removed the posters because the law does not allow such a practice. I think this is unfair. I have lost hope, please guide me. 

HS, Dar es Salaam

Yes, it is true the law does not permit such kind of offers because they may increase incidences of theft. Section 113 of Penal Code [CAP. 16 R.E. 2023] states that any person who (a) publicly offers a reward for the return of any property which has been stolen or lost and in the offer makes use of any words purporting that no questions will be asked or that the person producing such property will not be seized or molested; (b) publicly offers to return to any person who may have bought or advanced money by way of loan upon any stolen or lost property the money so paid or advanced, or any other sum of money or reward for the return of the property; or (c) prints or publishes any offer, referred to in paragraph (a) or (b), is guilty of an offence. The aim of this provision is to prevent a moral hazard. Rewarding the thief or a person who has bought stolen property sends the wrong message to the public. We are sorry about the loss you have suffered, and we hope you recover soon. For further guidance, consult your lawyer.