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Murder suspects released after six years behind bars

Three defendants, accused of murdering Sophia Sita. PHOTO | REHEMA MATOWO

By  Rehema Matowo

Mwandishi wa Habari

Mwananchi

What you need to know:

  • The case’s withdrawal has left lingering questions in the community, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding justice and accountability.

Geita. Three defendants, accused of murdering Sophia Sita, a resident of Kasala Village in Chato District, Geita Region, have been released following the withdrawal of charges by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The case, which had initially been filed at the Mwanza Registry of the High Court of Tanzania, was later transferred to the Geita Registry and was scheduled for a hearing on September 23, 2024.

During the court session, Senior State Attorney Luciana Shaban informed Judge Athuman Matuma that the DPP had submitted a notice indicating the decision to discontinue the prosecution of the case.

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The accused—Nyamarwa Mashauri, Tibasima Kakuru, and Lazaro Philipo—had been alleged to have murdered Sophia on May 17, 2018, with her body discovered dismembered, leading to serious public concern and media attention.

In response to the prosecution’s request to drop the charges, Judge Matuma granted the defendants’ release under Section 91(1) of the Criminal Procedure Act.

However, he cautioned that this release does not preclude the possibility of their arrest in the future should new evidence arise.

The prosecution team included Luciana Shaban and Kabula Benjamin, while the defendants were represented by lawyers Doreen Narzis, Erick Lutehanga, and Paul Michael.

Upon his release, Nyamarwa Mashauri expressed profound relief, stating, “I have been in custody for six years, and my eyesight has worsened. I couldn’t even recognize my relatives who came here today. I thank God for my release.”

Fellow defendant Lazaro Philipo shared his ordeal, revealing that he had initially been arrested for possessing illegal fishing traps and spent a year in detention before being charged with murder.

“I was arrested for having fishing traps, but later I was charged with murder alongside the other defendants. I didn’t even know the person who was killed. I thank God I have been released,” he said, reflecting the unexpected twists in their legal battles.

The case’s withdrawal has left lingering questions in the community, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding justice and accountability.

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