DPP to decide on fate of three youths from Geita

The fate of three youths who intended to march to the State House in Dar es Salaam now lies in the hands of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The three - Juma Maganga, Athanas Michael and Khalid Selemani - marched from Geita Region but ended up in police custody.

They had foot-slogged for at least 37 days to the city, passing through Mwanza, Shinyanga, Tabora, Singida, Dodoma, Morogoro and Coast regions before reaching Dar es Salaam.

Their mission was to protest the rampant corruption and embezzlement in the country that they described as chronic among public officials. They said this had plunged it into absolute poverty.

Speaking to The Guardian yesterday, Kinondoni Regional Police Commander (RPC) Camilius Wambura said the three will continue to report to the police station until the DPP decides on their fate.

Yesterday they reported to the police station and the RPC said they will have to report again next Tuesday.

According to him, it is up to the DPP to take them to court which would decide whether to set them free.

The boys are out  on police bail having been assisted by lawyers from the main opposition party – Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema).

Earlier, they told this paper at the Magomeni police station that the police force might have been used by individuals to prevent them from meeting the President.

They said they were convinced that they did not violate any law and did not deserve being charged in a law court.

They said even if they were to be charged and sentenced to prison they cared less. Their intention was to make sure that they meet the head of State and present their petition on various issues, including massive corruption and injustice, they emphasised.

“What we are undergoing now is just a minor challenge, but our agenda of meeting the President still stands. There is no turning back,” asserted Athanas.

However, he said if they fail to see the President face to face they will call a news conference. He said this would ensure that the President and wananchi get the message they have for the head of State.

According to the boys, they are staying at a hotel in Kinondoni District and Chadema is footing their bills.

On January 2, this year, the three young men were intercepted and taken to the Kinondoni District Commissioner’s office.

The DC advised them to follow procedures if they wanted to meet the President.

However, after leaving them, they disregarded the advice and decided to proceed to the State House, eventually ending up in police custody.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN (09/01/2015)