Zanzibar Chief Justice says non-appearance of witnesses derails drug cases

Zanzibar. Zanzibar Chief Justice Omar Othman Makungu has observed that cases on illicit drugs in the Isles take long because some witnesses do not appear in courts to give evidence.

Mr Makungu made the observation on Monday, February 5, when addressing reporters at his Vuga Town office, ahead of marking of the Zanzibar Law Day on February 12. The event shall be held at Kikwajuni grounds of the House of Representatives in Unguja.

The CJ said until now there were a total of 158 illicit drug cases in court, whereby only 26 cases have been concluded after witnesses came forward to give evidence, and already those convicted were in prison serving various jail terms.

In a quick rejoinder, the CJ said the Judiciary in Zanzibar was working on strategies that will help the problem is eliminated and that cases are concluded in the shortest time possible.

Addressing the question of leniency of sentences given, especially to convicts of sexual assault and harassment, Mr Makungu said every ruling was based on the laws of the land, and that magistrates were permitted pass sentences of up to seven years.