Masanja faces theft, laundering charges

Dar es Salaam. Former acting director general of the Rufiji Basin Development Authority (Rubada) Aloyce Masanja was yesterday charged with stealing Sh50 million and laundering Sh86 million.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded in custody because the money laundering offence is not bailable under the Tanzanian legislation.

Prosecuting, the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) Denis Lekayo and Josehp Kiula told the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court that between August 1 and 10, 2010, Masanja used his position to steal Sh50 million from Rubada.

Mr Kiula further claimed that the accused on November 30, 2010 used his position to steal from Rubada Sh36 million.

The accused is also alleged to have laundered Sh86 million by transferring the money, knowing it was the proceeds of theft. The case was adjourned to March 24.

Former minister for Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives Stephen Wassira announced in April last year that he was dismissing Mr Masanja and two other top officials of Rubada over the disappearance of at least Sh2.3 billion development funds. Two days later, Mr Masanja was quoted by the media denying that he had been sacked: “I quit Rubada in September 2014 after acting as director general for six years and I am now engaged in farming.”

He then said he was planning to sue the minister for tarnishing his good name and accused him of mudslinging other people for political expediency.

The sacking of Mr Masanja based on a report prepared by a special committee that was formed to investigate persistent complaints against the mismanagement of Rubada funds.