Arusha. The High Court’s Corruption and Economic Crimes Division has acquitted Tajiri Dibwa, previously charged with transporting 109.28 kilograms of cannabis, due to significant procedural irregularities in the prosecution’s case.
On April 2, 2026, Judge Sedekia Kisanya delivered the ruling, indicating that the prosecution failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. Key issues identified included a broken chain of custody for the evidence and inconsistencies in witness testimonies.
Details of the Case
The prosecution claimed that on May 17, 2025, Dibwa was unlawfully transporting narcotic drugs in the Minzani Sanzale area of Bagamoyo District. Court documents revealed that the case arose from a road accident involving Dibwa, who was driving a Toyota Premio, and a Howo lorry driven by Ibrahim Nyange.
Following the accident, seven sacks containing dried plant material were reportedly recovered from Dibwa’s vehicle, which were later confirmed by the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA) to be cannabis weighing 109.28 kilograms.
During the trial, the prosecution presented nine witnesses and seven pieces of evidence, detailing how the supposed drugs were discovered and analyzed. However, the judge noted conflicting testimonies about how the bags were found. Some witnesses claimed they were visible from outside the car, while others stated they were discovered only after Dibwa opened the vehicle’s trunk.
Concerns Raised in Court
Judge Kisanya remarked that these contradictions damaged the credibility of the prosecution’s case. Additionally, the court highlighted significant gaps in the handling of the exhibits, noting that there was no clear account of who had custody of the items from seizure until they were presented in court.
“The absence of a complete chain of custody raises serious doubts about the integrity of the exhibits,” stated Judge Kisanya.
In his defense, Dibwa asserted that he was returning from obtaining traditional medicine for his sick child when the accident occurred due to brake failure. He further claimed that he was arrested following a compensation dispute with the lorry driver and was coerced into signing blank documents in custody, which he believed related to a traffic offense.
Dibwa challenged the prosecution’s evidence, arguing that the exhibits lacked proper identification marks and that some bore markings related to another case.
Final Ruling
Judge Kisanya emphasized that in criminal proceedings, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, requiring evidence to be presented beyond a reasonable doubt. “Where doubt exists, it must be resolved in favor of the accused,” he affirmed.
The court ultimately ruled that the prosecution could not prove that Dibwa had transported the drugs or that they were found in his vehicle to the necessary legal standard. As a result, the judge acquitted Dibwa and ordered his immediate release unless held for other lawful reasons, additionally directing that the seized vehicle be returned to him.
