Another Acacia top official arraigned

What you need to know:

Mr Mwaipopo becomes the third official from Acacia to be arraigned in connection to money laundering charges.

Dar es Salaam. Acacia Goldmine’s managing director Asa Mwaipopo, 55, has been arraigned, facing nine economic sabotage counts.

He appeared before Kisutu Resident Magistrate Huruma Shaidi on Tuesday, October 23.

State attorney Faraja Nchimbi asked the resident magistrate to join Mr Mwaipopo in another case facing six other officials from the company.

The company owns three gold mines in Tanzania.

The other officials related to Acacia include Mr Deogratias Mwanyika, 56, who is the former acacia president of corporate affairs, and Bulyanhulu head of corporate relations Alex Lugendo, who are both facing 39 counts.

Four companies are also facing similar charges. These are Pangea Limited, North Mara, Exploration Du Nord LTEE and Bulyanhulu Goldmine.

Reading the charges Ms Nchimbi said in different occasions between April and June, this year, Mr Mwaipopo conspired with other officials in Dar es Salaam, Tarime, Kahama and Biharamulo as well in Johannesburg, Canada, Barbados and Biharamulo and forged documents to evade taxes.

They are also accused of entering a contract with Barrick International Bank PLC, while knowing that it was against the laws.