What happened in court as Tanzanian businessman who shot intelligence officers was arraigned

Musoma. A prominent Lake Zone businessman, Mr Peter Zakaria, has finally been arraigned after spending more than a week in police custody.

Mr Zakaria faces two charges of attempted murder. It is alleged that he shot two intelligence officers last week.

Before the Musoma resident magistrate, Mr Rahimu Mushi, state attorney Lukelo Samuel said Mr Zakaria committed the offence on June 30.

He is accused of trying to murder Mr Ahmed Segule and Mr Isaac Bwire when he opened fire at them.

Mr Zakaria was not allowed to enter any plea because the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain such cases.

Thereafter, a legal battle emerged between the state attorney and Mr Zacharia’s lawyers Mr Kassim Gila and Onyango Otieno.

The state attorney urged the court not to grant Mr Zakaria bail since the men, whom he injured, are in critical condition and are currently receiving treatment at the Muhimbili National Hospital.

This was challenged by the defence lawyers, who asked the court to grant the bail to their client.

The court ruled for the prosecution and Mr Zakaria was sent back to remand prison until July 10 when the court will rule on his bail application.

The shooting, which took place at 8am, woke up the residents of the sleepy town, who gathered at a local hospital after reports that the businessman had been admitted with injuries.

Police fired teargas to disperse the crowd, according to the Tarime/Rorya Special Zone Commander, Mr Henry Mwaibambe, on June 30 after Mr Zakaria allegedly fired at two security officers. Narrating the incident, Mara Regional Commissioner Adam Malima claimed that Mr Zakaria shot at the two officers minutes after they arrived at a petrol station to refuel their car.

The petrol station belongs to Zakaria who also owns a fleet of upcountry buses.

Reports circulated on social media that the businessman was kidnapped.

However, later on the day, Mr Malima dismissed the rumours.