Security tightened as Mbowe appeal start at High Court

Dar es Salaam. Security has been beefed at the High Court, Dar es Salaam Zone, where bail invalidation appeal lodged by Chadema national chairman Freeman Mbowe and Tarime Urban MP Esther Matiko is taking place.

Armed police have surrounded the High Court premises in what could be interpreted as  strengthening security during the appeal hearing, which has attracted attention of the public.

The appeal hearing started by the prosecution challenging the legitimacy of the application under three grounds even before hearing the foundation of the case.

In the first argument, the Principal State Attorney, Dr Zainabu Mango said the statement on intention to appeal was false.

She said the Section of law used in supporting the statement of appeal does not provide the court authority of hearing the appeal because the section is false, therefore praying the court to drop the appeal.

In the second argument, State Attorney, Wankyo Simon said the appeal lacked legal requirements stipulated in Section 362(1) demanding that the appeal should be attached with case procedures.

Case procedures is a meaningful document in leading the court to deliver justice, the court was told.

He said bail conditions are challengeable, but the appellants remained quite without appealing, expressing interest to appeal or requesting more time for appeal to be made.

The appellants, Peter Kibatala, Dr Nshalla Lugemeleza and Jeremiah Mtobesya are expected to respond after the prosecution’s submissions.