Cases of illegal possession of trophies hit snags in court

BY THE GUARDIAN REPORTER

Kibiti district court in Rufiji, Coast Region has once again failed to hear an economic sabotage case involving Jumanne Ligenge (43) and five other people because they are awaiting instructions from the Director of Public Prosecution.

It was claimed in court last week by the district public prosecutor Gabikwa Ushomile that they could not proceed with the case because the files are still in the DPP’s office.

“Your honour we have not received the files of this case. I request for another hearing date,” he said.

Adjourning the case, the Kibiti district magistrate Muhidin Matitu set October 25, this year. The accused are out on bail.

Ligenge was on March 30, this year arrested at Ikwiriri in illegal possession of 42 pieces of ivory which he was transporting using his motorcycle with registration number T557ATL.

He first appeared in court on April 5, this year and was released after his relatives posted bail worth 10m/-. Others in the case are Scolastica Nchimbi, Hassan Jumanne, Amir Seleman, Tamla Shira and Juma Libaga who were found in illegal possession of government trophies such as bush meat, leopard skin and tortoise.

Meanwhile some Rufiji residents have urged the government to fast track cases involving illegal possession of govt trophies, especially ivory.

Shukuru Nyandi who is a resident of Rufiji noted that over 85 percent of cases at the Kibiti court involve government trophies.

He noted that there have been delays in cases involving people found in illegal possession of trophies, providing loopholes for continuation of the illegal business in the district.

According to him some cases have taken over five years, costing time and discouraging efforts to curb wildlife poaching.

Source: The Guardian (02/10/2012): http://www.ippmedia.com/frontend/index.php?l=46469