Two Chadema MPs released on bail

Chadema MPs Sylvester Kasulumbayi and Suzan Kiwanga flash the ‘V ‘sign before they were arraigned at the Tabora Resident Magistrate’s Court yesterday. PHOTO | FIDELIS FELIX

Tabora. Two Chadema members of Parliament yesterday appeared before the Tabora Resident Magistrate’s Court.
Mr Sylvester Kasulumbayi (Maswa East) and Ms Suzan Kiwanga (Special Seats) appeared alongside another Chadema member Anwar Kashaga.

Before Resident Magistrate Thomas Simba, State Attorney Juma Massanda read three counts against all three accused persons while the fourth charge involved Mr Kasulumbayi only.

Mr Massanda alleged that the accused roughed up Igunga District commissioner Fatma Kimario who was doing her official duties at the Ward Executive office at Isakamaliwa Village on September 15 this year. He alleged that they also stole her mobile phone worth Sh400,000. And caused body injuries to her.

Mr Massanda told the court that the accused jointly assaulted Ms Kimario causing pains in her head, neck and chest.
Mr Massanda said the Maswa East MP was facing a charge of using abusive language to Ms Kimario. The prosecutor claimed that the whole incident breached peace at the area.

The three are also accused of confining Ms Kimario against her will for a period of time, an act which is a criminal offence.
The three accused denied all the charges and were granted bail. They were asked to have one surety each who would sign a Sh5 million bond and they all complied.

Mr Tundu Lissu, who is the Singida East MP on a Chadema ticket, is defending them.
Magistrate Simba adjourned the case until October 10 when it will come up for mention.
The case attracted the attention of hundreds of Tabora residents who thronged the court premises. Because there was an inadequte space in the courtroom to accommodate all of the people who wanted to hear the case, many followed the proceedings through the windows.

The suspects were brought to the court in a police Toyota Land Cruiser at around 9.30am before they were arraigned shortly after 10am. Speaking after the accused were granted bail, Mr Lissu thanked Chadema supporters and members for their solidarity.

He said that the case would cost the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi in the Igunga by-election as it would lose the seat.
“People have seen what has happened and we are glad that everyone now is aware of what the ruling party and the government have been plotting against the opposition ahead of the poll,” he said.

The jubilant opposition party supporters demonstrated for few metres after the accused were released. Later, Chadema leaders went straight to Igunga to continue with their campaigns.

The three were arrested on Friday in Igunga before they were transferred to Tabora at the weekend.

Source The Citizen