Surprise bank holiday in Tanzania

The surprise announcement surprised traders and businessman

The closure of all banks in Tanzania on Tuesday has surprised many businesses in the East African nation.

The unexpected announcement by the Bank of Tanzania is to allow banks to take stock at the end of the fiscal year.

Police assured businesses that security would be beefed up for those scared that robbers would take advantage of those unable to safely bank their cash.

The BBC's Vicky Ntetema in Tanzania says the central bank faces a probe into a money-laundering scandal.

In the last few months, a new bank governor and finance minister have been appointed after allegations of corruption involving millions of dollars.

Our correspondent says many business people in the commercial capital, Dar es Salaam, have complained at the inconvenience of the bank holiday, which was only announced on Monday.

Regional special police commander for Dar es Salaam, Suleiman Kova, assured bank customers they had nothing to fear if they were caught unawares by the holiday.

"They can contact me directly on my mobile if they are worried about the safety of their money and I have given orders for officers to heavily patrol," he said.