DPP drops case against 5 accused in NMB robbery

THE Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) yesterday dropped charges against five people accused of murdering a policeman and a National Micro-Finance Bank (NMB) official during the 1bn/- attempted robbery in Dar es Salaam last year.

The DPP dropped the murder charges against four bank officials and a businessman after entering nolle prosequi in their favour at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in the city.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Charles Kenyela presented the statement on behalf of the DPP before Resident Magistrate Hadija Msongo, saying the prosecution was no longer interested in pursuing the case. They were facing two counts of murder.

The magistrate immediately discharged Juma Nyundo (45), Ally Lumbilumbi (41), Peter Mjata (45) and Simon Kaaya (44), all NMB officials and Lucas Nyamaila, a businessman.

The move sent unexpected jubilation to relatives and the accused, who were all smiles when they walked out of the dock as free men in what was a trial with the hangman’s noose hanging over their heads.

However, Nyamaila could not be freed as he was facing another murder charge. The rest joined their families, some of whom failed to hold back their tears when they saw their beloved relatives leaving the court premises as free men.

A decision by the DPP was, however, a bitter pill for relatives of other accused who were left behind the bar to continue with charges of killing D. 6866 Police Constable Abdullah and a bank staff, Ernest Manyoni, on April 20, last year, at Ubungo.

The duo were in the vehicle that was taking money to the bank's Wami Branch in Morogoro Region from the headquarters. The accused allegedly intercepted the vehicle carrying 1bn/- at Ubungo area, killed the two officials and made away with 150m/-.

According to ACP Kenyela, the case for the remaining accused would be mentioned on November 8. They include Mashaka Pastori, Rashid Lembres, John Mndasha, Martin Mndasha, Philip Mushi, Jackson Mushi, Haji Kimweri and Yasin Juma.

The rest are Hamis Mjaka, Musa Mustafa, MT 77754 Private Nazareth Amunike, MT 761621 Lance Corporal Emanuel Lameck, Wickliffe Angulike, Rashid Abdukadir, James Chamangwana and Hussein Iddi.

SOURCE: DAILY NEWS