Courtroom drama: Suspect confesses to killing billionaire Msuya

In a dramatic twist to the Moshi murder trial, the 12th prosecution witness, Magistrate Ponsian Claude, has revealed a bombshell confession from one of the suspects.

Taking the stand, Claude testified how, on September 17, 2013, he was tasked with recording the confession of Karim Kihundwa, a suspect in the high-profile shooting of billionaire Erasto Msuya.

According to Claude, Kihundwa admitted to being the triggerman in the Orkolili area attack, claiming he acted alongside three others: Sharifu (Mohamed), Mredii (Shahibu), and Sadik Jabir (alias Mnubi).

This explosive revelation sent shockwaves through the courtroom, marking a major development in the case that gripped the nation.

Previously, witness testimonies and phone records presented by Koplo Selemani Mwaipopo had already painted a damning picture for the suspects. However, Kihundwa's confession, if deemed admissible by the court, could potentially seal their fate.

However, defense lawyers wasted no time in challenging the confession's validity.

John Lundu and Majura Magafu raised concerns about potential procedural violations, questioning Claude's role in recording the statement and highlighting the absence of certain details, like whether Kihundwa was informed of his rights.

State Attorney Chavula countered these arguments, asserting that Claude's identification of the documents and his established procedures as a magistrate were sufficient to guarantee their authenticity.

Judge Salma Maghimbi ultimately dismissed the defense's objections related to procedural errors but ordered a "case within a case" to determine the voluntariness of the confession.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the judge deemed the confession admissible, ruling that the suspect's injuries, sustained four days before the statement, did not appear to be related to coercion.

With the confession now officially part of the evidence, the trial takes a critical turn as the court delves deeper into the details of the alleged plot and the roles of each suspect.

Meanwhile, the testimony of two SG Resort Hotel drivers, Elirehema Msuya and Karim Issa Mruma, shed further light on Msuya's final days.

Both drivers recounted encounters with an unidentified man who Msuya described as a "guest" and instructed them to transport to the Arusha-Moshi bus station.

These seemingly unrelated details might hold clues to the motive behind the killing, adding another layer of intrigue to this complex case.