Journalist Kabendera Erick from Tanzania on Monday got his freedom back after a Tanzanian court released him on a fine of Tanzanian Currency 100 million.
Mr.
Kabendera was arrested almost six months ago on allegations that he lead a
crime gang, in addition to evading tax and money laundering.
Among the
three counts, the accused was cleared of leading gang crime count, thereby
remaining with two charges.
Mr.
Kabendera pleaded guilty to money laundering charge, with court releasing him
on Tsh100 million fine. Additionally, he was to pay another Tsh0.25 million as
tax evasion fine, of which he had also pleaded guilty.
The court
also directed that the accused pays another Tsh172 million as compensation, and
which is set to be cleared in the next half a year, together with the Tsh0.25
million fine.
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Director of
Public Prosecution on Monday accepted plea bargain application by the accused,
opening doors for the hearing of his case by Kisutu Magistrate Court.
Faraja
Nchimbi, State's attorney, told magistrate Jane Mtega that the DPP had accepted
the plea bargain when the case had been set for mention on Monday.
Initially,
such cases could not be heard by the court since there was lack of
jurisdiction.
