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Date for Ditopile case not fixed yet
2007-05-08 09:56:36
By Guardian Reporter
The date for hearing of the manslaughter case facing former Tabora Regional Commissioner Ukiwaona Ditopile Mzuzuri is yet to be fixed by the High Court of Tanzania, The Guardian has learnt.
Ditopile is currently out on bail, which he was granted two months ago. This became possible after the prosecution had changed the murder charge he originally faced to manslaughter.
He was arrested on November 4, 2006 on allegations of killing commuter bus driver Hassan Mbonde at a road junction near Lugalo in Dar es Salaam.
Bail can be granted for cases on manslaughter under the law. Ditopile was bailed after satisfying conditions laid down by the trial court.
However, the former RC`s temporary release triggered the reaction of remandees who questioned the rationale of fast-tracking investigations into his case.
The inmates boycotted attending court sessions until top government ministers had visited prison compounds for talks that dwelt on their grievancies.
Ditopile`s release was accompanied by abuse of press freedom when his relatives and friends, under the glare of television cameras, attacked reporters who were covering the proceedings.
In unexplained circumstances, he had to cover his face by putting on a big hat during court appearances.
As we went to press, the High Court was still pondering over the possible date for the hearing of Ditopile`s case.
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