9 of 12 bank robbery suspects released

The High Court of Tanzania, Kilimanjaro zone yesterday set free nine of 12 suspected bank robbers.

In the 2006 incident, a police officer was shot dead and 239m/- stolen at gun point from the National Microfinance Bank (NMB) Mwanga branch. 

Assisted by advocate Stella Majaliwa, State Attorney, Ladislaus Komanya told the court that the nation is ready for the judgment.

The High Court Judge, Kasusulo Sambo acknowledged the call saying the case touches many lives as well as affects national interests.

Sambo said according to chapter 20, section 293 of the crime Act, 2002 the court has decided to release the nine suspects. Deodatus Temu, PC Nathaniel number F 940, Emanuel Mziray, Florian Kimath, Devotha Msanze, Juliana Msanze, Elizabeth Msanze alias Bela, Kitiba Msanze and Salome Matemu.

He said the court has satisfied that the 9 suspects have no case to answer. 

The remaining three suspects however, have a case to answer. These are Samweli Gitau Saitoti alias Saimo, a Kenyan Michael Kimani and Kalisti Kanje Kisambu a businessman from Siha.

In 2006, armed robbers waylaid NMB vehicles at the Ubungo traffic lights and made away with millions of shillings, killing at least two people and injuring several others. 16 people were charged in connection with the robbery.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN