Medical Association of Tanzania President Dr Namala Mkopi (R) is led to Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s court in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Mkopi was charged with disobeying a High Court (Labour Division) order. (Photo: Selemani Mpochi)

Medical Association of Tanzania (MAT) president Dr Namala Mkopi yesterday appeared in the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam to answer charges of disobeying a lawful order and inciting doctors to commit an offence.

The prosecution side led by state attorney Tumaini Kweka claimed before resident magistrate Faisal Kahamba that the accused committed the offence between June 26 and June 28, this year in Dar es Salaam.

It was alleged that the accused disobeyed the High Court (Labor Division)’s order dated June 26, requiring him to address the media that doctors had restrained from calling or participating in the strike, as previously ordered by the same court on June 22, this year.

On the second count, prosecution alleged that on June 27, this year in the city, Nkopi incited MAT members to strike contrary to the court order. The accused pleaded not guilty and was bailed out.

Kweka informed the court that the investigation into the case was incomplete. The case was adjourned until August 6, this year.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has admitted to have received a letter from the MAT requesting for security of Dr Steven Ulimboka and other leaders of the association.

UN resident coordinator Dr Alberic Kacou said he received the letter on July 7.

He said they would hold a meeting to deliberate on the request. “This matter has to be looked at carefully before issuing a statement,” Kacou said.