Mwangosi killer gets 15 years

Iringa. The High Court, Iringa Zone, has sentenced Field Force Unit (FFU) police officer Pasificus Saimon to 15 years in jail after finding him guilty of the manslaughter of Channel Ten TV journalist Daudi Mwangosi.

Reading out the sentence yesterday, the Iringa Zone’s High Court Judge, Dr Paul Kihwelo, said he had reviewed applications for sentence from both sides, but pointed out that the duty of passing sentences remains in the hands of the court after it convicts  the accused.

“In weighing which punishment is appropriate against the accused, the court directed itself on several things, which are the gravity of the offence with which the accused is charged, the circumstances of the offence committed, the motive of the accused and public interest generally,” said the Judge.

He pronounced that the convict will serve 15 years in jail, adding, however, that the right to appeal for him was open.

Mwangosi was killed on September 2, 2012 in Nyororo Ward, Mufindi District in Iringa Region after he was hit by a gas canister fired at close range. He was covering a Chadema rally in the area.

Yesterday morning, the police in full riot gear arrived at the court and the task of screening people, who were entering the court, started.

Even after the judgment was passed the police continued to mob the convict and covered him with a piece of cloth in order to prevent photo-journalists from taking pictures of him.

Speaking shortly after the verdict, the widow of the late Daudi Mwangosi, Itika, and the deceased’s younger brother, Andrew, jointly thanked the reporters for the unity and solidarity they had shown from the beginning to the end of the case, whose ruling was made yesterday.

“I thank journalists for what they fought for to ensure that justice is done.  Even if they block you, keep doing your work of educating the public and never turn back,” Mrs Mwangosi said with tears rolling down hers cheeks.

Andrew Mwangosi was also grateful to the journalists. He also thanked the court for doing justice, adding that as members of the family they would join hands with the press club so that they lodge a civil case.