By our Correspondence,
Seven suspects were brought before a district court in northern Tanzania on Wednesday to face various charges related to the trafficking of khat, locally known as mirungi.
According to court records, seven separate cases were filed, each involving one defendant. All suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In proceedings before Resident Magistrate Christanta Chitanda, Athuman Tuarira Kivuma, Goodluck Bariki Mungulu, and Nuru Mbonea Mndeme were ordered to return to court on Feb. 24, 2026.
Mungulu is accused of having 1.8 kilograms of khat. His case is bailable, but he has yet to meet the bail conditions set by the court. Kivuma faces charges of trafficking 27 kilograms of khat, while Mndeme is accused of transporting 25 kilograms.
In separate hearings before Senior Resident Magistrate Hellen Hozza, Youze Eliwaha Kitua, Ahadi Mbazi Mnjama, and Edson Elihazina Kibaja also denied the charges against them.
Kitua, who is accused of trafficking 34 kilograms of khat, is scheduled to return to court on March 2, 2026. Mnjama, charged with transporting 26 kilograms, and Kibaja, accused of transporting 24 kilograms, are both due back in court on March 3, 2026.
In a separate matter, Mganga Wahidi Dorovu was placed under a binding-over order requiring him to maintain good behaviour. The court ordered that he remain under police supervision in Same for three years and report to authorities monthly, with conditions prohibiting involvement in any criminal activity, including the trade or use of narcotic substances.
Authorities say the cases reflect ongoing efforts to curb the trade and transportation of narcotics in the same district and surrounding areas.