MWANZA: The Mwanza Resident Magistrate’s Court has acquitted former Simiyu Regional Commissioner, Dr Yahaya Nawanda, after finding him not guilty in a sodomy case.
In Criminal Case No. 1883/2024, Dr Nawanda was charged under Section 154(1)(a) of the Penal Code for allegedly sodomizing a 21-year-old university student in Mwanza.
Delivering the ruling on Friday, Mwanza Resident Magistrate In-Charge Erick Marley stated that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to establish the defendant’s guilt.
Consequently, the court acquitted Dr Nawanda and ordered his release.
Magistrate Marley explained that of the 11 witnesses presented by the prosecution, 10 testified in court.
However, inconsistencies between the complainant’s account and the defense witnesses emerged during the trial.
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Furthermore, the court determined that there was no substantial link between the presented evidence and the alleged crime, leading to Dr. Nawanda’s acquittal.
The prosecution retains the option to appeal the ruling. After the judgment, Dr Nawanda expressed gratitude for the outcome, stating, “I thank God for justice and leave everything that happened in God’s hands.”
