Four lawyers defend accused in gang rape case as trial starts

Dodoma. Four lawyers are defending the suspects in the gang rape case which sparked outrage after a video clip showing the incident went viral on social media.

The four suspects appeared in court for formal trial which started on Tuesday in Dodoma.

Those brought to court include Tanzania People's Defence Forces (TPDF) soldier MT.140105 Clinton Damas, Prison Service officer C.1693 Praygod Mushi, Lord Lema, and Nickson Jackson.

The four suspects were charged on Monday, August 19, 2024, accused of gang rape and sodomising a young woman whose name was not revealed.

One of the defence lawyers Mr Meshack Ngamando told reporters that the case was being held in camera.

"The prosecution brought five witnesses and we listened to one whom we did not finish," said Mr Ngamando who briefed reporters after the hearing was postponed.

He named the four lawyers who represent the suspects against three on the prosecution side.

"The case hearing is going well and we trust that justice will prevail and will be seen," Mr Ngamando said, urging the public to remain calm.

The case is being heard for four consecutive days to Friday, due to its unique nature.

Earlier this month, a video shared through social media shown a group of men sexually assaulting a young woman whom they accused of having an affair with the husband of a security officer.

Police had arrested four out of six people they said were searching.

Before the court all four have pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case was conducted in camera but the Assistant Director at the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Renatus Mkude, addressed the media soon after the court proceedings.

He confirmed that, due to the case’s high-profile nature, the suspects will remain in custody as the case is not bailable.

Mkude said the trial would proceed continuously from August 20 to August 23, 2024, to ensure a swift resolution given the widespread public interest in the case.

To protect the victim’s identity, she has been referred to only as XY in court documents. This measure aims to safeguard her privacy and prevent further trauma.

“According to our legal framework and the authority of the Director of Public Prosecutions under Article 59 of the Constitution, appropriate actions have been taken. The case has been thoroughly investigated, and the four suspects are now formally charged,” Mkude said.

“The charges against them include gang rape and sexual assault. They have denied the allegations, but we will proceed with the legal process as required,” he added.

Mr Mkude highlighted the importance of protecting the victim, noting that her real name was not disclosed to avoid any potential humiliation. This approach is in line with international standards for witness protection.

Due to security concerns and ongoing judicial proceedings, the court has granted a request from the prosecution to deny bail to the suspects. They will remain in custody throughout the trial.

The court will hear the case continuously from tomorrow until Friday, August 23, to ensure timely justice and address all aspects of the case.

“We urge the public to remain patient and trust in the legal process. Our justice system provides for the rights of both the accused and the victims. As the case proceeds, we ask everyone to stay calm and believe that justice will be served,” Mkude said.

The suspects were escorted to court at around 3:25pm under heavy police protection, with armed officers and a convoy of more than six vehicles.

Like on Monday, Clinton Damas, also known as Nyundo, was on Tuesday closely guarded by two armed officers, some in uniform and others in plain clothes.