Tycoon Zacharia finally out on bail

Mwanza. A prominent businessman in the Lake Zone, Mr Peter Zacharia, who has been detained since July 5 last year has been released on bail.
The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mr Biswalo Mganga, confirmed that Mr Zacharia was released on March 25 after he withdrew a certificate to object his bail. He said:  “His case will continue later. He is simply only out on bail.”
The DPP promised to clarify the circumstances and reasons for Mr Zacharia’s release on bail.
Mr Zacharia, a prominent CCM cadre, was arrested on June 26, last year and arraigned on July 5 on charges of attempting to shoot two intelligence officers. He was denied bail due to an economic crime case and unlawful possession of ammunition (a short gun and five bullets). He is being defended in court by two lawyers namely Kassim Gila and Onyango Otieno at the Musoma Resident Magistrate Court.
The case facing him is due for mentioning on March 27.  Reports of Mr Zacharias’ release emerged on March 25 after he was seen on streets, but court officials in Musoma were not ready to comment on the matter.
Businessmen, who are close to Zacharia, the owner of buses that ply Mwanza, Simiyu and Mara Regions routes disclosed to Mwananchi that Mr Zacharia was seen together with his family en route from Musoma to Tarime.
However, the lawyer who is in charge of his business was not ready to comment, saying he was not his spokesperson.
Journalists were barred from following up on the matter in the court premises as court officials told the journalists that court hours had ended.
However, crowds of people, including prominent businessmen were seen around court premises at that time.  Earlier, there was hope that the businessman would be released on bail after Magistrate Rahimu Mushi adjourned the case that was mentioned for the first time on July 5.
Nonetheless, the prosecution   brought a new charge against the businessman--economic sabotage--that included illegal possession of a shot machine gun with five bullets.