PCCB arraigns CWT president in economic sabotage case

DODOMA: Tanzania Teachers’ Union (CWT) President Suleiman Ikomba on Monday appeared before the Dodoma Resident Magistrate’s Court, where he joined seven other current and former union leaders facing charges of alleged corruption, criminal conspiracy and economic sabotage.

Mr Ikomba was brought before Chief Resident Magistrate Denis Mpelembwa after not being present when the case was first mentioned last month.

The Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) alleges that the eight accused persons were involved in transactions amounting to billions of shillings in circumstances said to be contrary to the union’s constitution and procurement procedures.

Besides Mr Ikomba, the accused are former CWT President Leah Ulaya, former Secretary General Maganga Japhet, Treasurer Nashon Kidudu, current Secretary General Joseph Misalaba, Internal Auditor Baraka Mbonalibha, Wambura Kihengu and Angelina Wambura.

According to the prosecution, the accused unlawfully obtained Sh2.2 billion in violation of the CWT Constitution. The prosecution further alleges that they benefited from approximately Sh1.3 billion paid by Pyrite and Industries Company Limited in connection with the approval of a tender for the production of CWT T-shirts and caps.

When the matter was called for mention, State Attorney Gothard Mwingira informed the court that investigations were still ongoing and had not yet been completed.

As some of the charges fall under economic sabotage offences, the Resident Magistrate’s Court did not take pleas from the accused. Such offences are ordinarily handled through committal proceedings before being referred to the High Court.The court directed the prosecution to expedite investigations and adjourned the case to June 19, 2026, for further mention.

Meanwhile, media information has that CWT has initiated temporary leadership changes following the ongoing court proceedings.

At a recent National Executive Council (NEC) meeting chaired by Vice President Shaban Ambindwile, members proposed James Asagwile to serve as treasurer. The meeting resolved that, under Article 31(c) of the CWT Constitution, the council has powers to appoint one of its members to fill the position.

The union also said the offices of vice president and deputy secretary general have been filled on an interim basis pending further decisions by the organisation’s governing bodies.

The accused persons have not entered pleas, and the allegations against them remain before the court.This version follows a classic court reporting structure: court action first, prosecution allegations second, procedural developments third, and the CWT administrative response separated from the criminal proceedings.