Two charged with ethanol possession, counterfeit branding
What you need to know:
- Other charges against the duo include forging Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) stamps and using counterfeit logos of alcohol brands.
Moshi. Businesswoman Ms Novita Shirima, 49, a resident of Katanini, and driver Mr Justine Mbise, 29, from Bomambizi, appeared before the Moshi Resident Magistrate’s Court on February 19, 2025, facing multiple charges, including the illegal possession of ethanol.
Other charges against the duo include forging Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) stamps and using counterfeit logos of alcohol brands.
State Attorney Frank Wambura represented the prosecution before Moshi District Resident Magistrate Ruth Mkisi, while the defendants were represented by advocates Emanuel Anthony and Marry Kway.
Attorney Wambura outlined the charges, stating that on October 10, 2024, in Katanini, Ms Shirima was found in possession of 310 litres of ethanol, allegedly intended for the production of illegal alcohol.
Additional charges include the unlawful use of business trademarks, possession of fake TRA stamps, and counterfeit labels for various alcoholic products.
The prosecution further detailed that on the same day, Ms Shirima was found with 42 bottles (750 ml) bearing the counterfeit K-Vant logo, as well as 144 bottles (750 ml) with the Konyagi logo.
She is also accused of forging business trademarks on 182 bottles (250 ml) of alcohol produced by Highlife.
The prosecution confirmed that investigations are ongoing and requested a future mention date.
They also argued for the defendants to remain in custody, as the charges are non-bailable.
Defence advocate Anthony argued that his clients were entitled to bail, citing relevant legal provisions.
He contended that while narcotic-related charges could allow bail, the court should consider sufficient evidence to determine whether this case involved drug trafficking.
State Attorney Wambura countered, stating that ownership of less than 30 litres of ethanol might warrant bail, but anything above this quantity would prevent bail.
Magistrate Mkisi adjourned the case to review the legal arguments and consider the relevant legal provisions.
After reviewing the submissions, Magistrate Mkisi concluded that bail could be granted under specific conditions, which include two government employees acting as sureties for each defendant, a security bond of Sh10 million per defendant, and property worth at least Sh100 million within Moshi District.
The conditions also prohibit defendants from leaving the Kilimanjaro Region. The case was adjourned to March 10, 2025, for another mention.
