Probe into social media case incomplete

What you need to know:

  • The suspect is facing charges of sedition for allegedly publishing contents of negotiations between the government and representatives of Acacia Gold Mine. This is according to State Attorney Adolf Mkini who told the Kisutu court Chief Magistrate Wilbard Mashauri on Monday when the case was mentioned.

Investigations in a case facing a resident of Chato District in Geita Region, Obadia Kiko, who is charged at the Kisutu Magistrate’s court for allegedly publishing seditious content on a social media platform is not yet complete.

The suspect is facing charges of sedition for allegedly publishing contents of negotiations between the government and representatives of Acacia Gold Mine. This is according to State Attorney Adolf Mkini who told the Kisutu court Chief Magistrate Wilbard Mashauri on Monday when the case was mentioned.

After the presentation by the prosecution side, Magistrate Mashauri adjourned the case until November 14, when it will come for mentioning. In the charge sheet, the suspect is alleged to have committed the crime on August 3 in Chato District, Geita Region by publishing the said content on his Facebook account.

According to the charge sheet, the post read: “Information from the Tanzania-Acacia negotiations, our lawyers are failing to interpret some of the legal technicalities to the extent of seeking for assistance from the Acacia side. Can’t you see these wonders, a thief is providing legal aid.

“The discussion is still taking place but our lawyers are facing a hard time as the Acacia lawyers have got all documents concerning the signed contracts, we need to pray so hard because if the government breaches the contract then we will be subjected to pay a big amount.

“Moreover, partisanship will cost us a lot… it would have been better if President Magufuli involved credible advocates such as Tundu Lissu, Peter Kibatala and Fatma Karume … in important issues like these, he has put forward a political agenda and now we are facing the music,” further read his post.

According to the State Attorney, the post was aimed at misleading the public on the negotiations between the government and Acacia Mining Company.

The suspect denied the charge and he was released on bail.