SERENGETI: Four arraigned for possessing ivory

By Anthony Mayunga, The Citizen Correspondent.

Serengeti. A Rwandan national was yesterday brought to Serengeti District Court to face poaching and economic sabotage charges.

Popularly known as a ‘Rwandese’, Mlangirwa Emmanuel Paul, 32, suspected to be leader of poaching ring in Serengeti, was brought to the court alongside two Police officers from Kagera Region.

They were accused of illegal possession of 18 pieces of ivory weighing 104 kilogramme with an estimated value of Sh67.75 million. They were arrested at a guest house in Serengeti in January this year.

Prosecution asked senior resident magistrate, Amon Kahimba to adjourn the case to enable them add in the charge sheet the fourth suspect.

Three suspects who earlier appeared at the court room included Boniphace John Kurwa,31, a resident of Geita and two Police officers; Gerard Tuji Kabalega, 33, and David Duma, 36, who served at Bukoba and Biharamulo police stations.

The prosecution told the court that the accused committed the offence on January 5.

Senior Resident Magistrate Kahimba, however, advised the prosecution to change the charges against the accused since those prescribed in the charge sheet are too weak.

“All charges levelled on them are too weak. You should change them to suit the kinds of crimes they have committed,” he advised.

Source: The Citizen (12/03/2013): http://www.thecitizen.co.tz/news/4-national-news/29600-four-arraigned-for-possessing-ivory