Seven people appeared in the Kibondo District Court in Kigoma Region yesterday charged with kidnapping schoolchildren and taking them to work in plantations.

Prosecutor Aziz Mayunga told the court that the accused were arrested on September 11, this year, at Kazilamihunda village in the region as they were taking the schoolchildren to work in plantations as labourers.

Mayunga named the accused as Kasomoko Katetemo, Shidoke Lunilija, Wilbard Luramula, Petro Makshi, Jumanne Mabwibwi, Merinas Katunzi and Hamis John. All the accused denied the charge. The case was adjourned to October 5, this year.