Mpanda court acquits two accused of illegal possession of elephants’ tails

PETI SIYAME in Mpanda

THE Usevya Ward Councillor, Josem Kalihosi (CCM) and his wife Marieth Mpizi who were facing charges of illegal possession of two elephant tails valued at over 45m/-, have been acquitted by Mpanda District Magistrate’s Court for lack of sufficient evidence.

The two were exonerated of the charges by the trial magistrate Mr Chiganga Ntengwa, who said in his ruling that the prosecution side had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubts that the couple did commit the crime.

"Since the prosecution side has failed to prove its case against both of you beyond reasonable doubts that you have committed the felony, I set you free,” the trial magistrate ruled.

Earlier, prosecuting, the Katavi Region State Attorney, Ms Jamila Mziray, charged before the court that the couple committed the crime on October 10, 2013 at Usevya Village in Mpanda District.

Ms Mziray told the court that on that material day, the two were caught in illegal possession of national trophies worth over 45m/- during operation Tokomeza.

She further alleged that the crime committed by the accused couple was against Wildlife Conservation Act 2009. It was not clear if the prosecution side would appeal against the ruling