Courts handle 516 ‘Tokomeza’ cases

By Rosina John ,The Citizen Correspondent

Posted  Wednesday, January 29  2014 at  00:00

In Summary

The CJ said six resident magistrate’s courts and 19 district courts heard the cases brought under various laws, including the Economic Crime Act, Wildlife Conservation Act and National Parks Act.

Dar es Salaam. There were a total of 516 court cases related to Operesheni Tokomeza during the anti-poaching campaign, Chief Justice Chande Othman Chande said yesterday.

Mr Justice Chande told journalists that of the cases filed between October 4 to November 1, last year, 198 were heard and determined, which is equivalent to 38.37 per cent.

He was briefing the media on Law Day to be marked on February 3 under the theme Utendaji Haki kwa Wakati; Umuhimu wa Ushiriki wa Wadau. (timely delivery of justice; the importance of stakeholders’ participation).

The CJ said six resident magistrate’s courts and 19 district courts heard the cases brought under various laws, including the Economic Crime Act, Wildlife Conservation Act and National Parks Act. Operesheni Tokomeza was suspended after a parliamentary select committee tabled a report detailing widespread human rights abuses.

Four Cabinet ministers were forced out after agencies under their watch were implicated in the atrocities. They are Mr Shamsi Vuai Nahodha (Defence and National Service), Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi (Home Affairs), Mr Khamis Kagasheki (Natural Resources and Tourism) and Dr Mathayo David (Livestock Development and Fisheries).

On Law Day, Mr Justice Chande said the occasion would be marked at the new High Court premises in the city centre.

He added that the guest honour would be President Jakaya Kikwete.