Trial paused in gang rape case that outraged Tanzania
Africa
By
AFP
| Aug 24, 2024
The trial of four men accused of gang rape in a case that has shocked Tanzania was paused on Friday, a defence lawyer said.
The alleged attack in the capital Dodoma in May came to light after a former local mayor posted about it on X on August 4, spurring condemnation and calls for action from rights groups across the country.
The four men -- who were arrested August 9 -- ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/africa/article/2001501357/trial-starts-in-gang-rape-case-that-has-shocked-tanzania#google_vignette">appeared at Dodoma High< Court earlier this week where they pleaded not guilty to allegations of gang rape and sodomising the woman.
READ MORE
Finance Act 2023 was illegally enacted, Azimio and 40 groups tell court
AG, Treasury plead with apex court to allow Ruto collect tax
Relief for Ruto as court unlocks Finance Act 2023
Empty promises crush dreams of KCSE star to pursue medicine course
Fuel prices remain unchanged as regulator ignores court ruling on VAT
Confusion rocks tax payment after ruling on Finance Act 2023
Tough options for Ruto after court blow to Finance Act 2023
Eastern DR Congo buffeted by fresh flareups with ADF, M23 rebels
Ruto hangs on Uhuru's law to raise funds after court's big blow
Experts weigh in on Court of Appeal ruling on 2023 Finance Bill
"The judge informed us that (she) had received a notice of the application filed in the High Court regarding the case, so the case should not proceed until the application is resolved," defence lawyer Meshack Ngamando said.
Officials said previously the trial would run until August 23 as it had attracted significant interest.
The application challenged the legality of the accused to a defence, Ngamando said.
He said people "must understand ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/africa/article/2001501286/four-go-on-trial-in-tanzania-for-gang-rape">that what we are doing< is not defending the accused but representing them so that they can receive their fundamental rights".
It is unclear when the trial will restart, however, the court had scheduled August 28 for the application decision.
The identity of the alleged victim has not been revealed, with Renatus Mkude, assistant director at the public prosecution office, saying she would be referred to as "XY" in the case.
When the incident first emerged in posts on X by ex-mayor Boniface Jacob, he alleged the men were believed to be members of the Tanzanian armed forces, but this could not be verified.