Mtwara. The Mtwara District Magistrate Court has sentenced Hawa Ally, a 60-year-old woman, to 30 years in prison for possessing narcotic drugs, specifically cannabis. This verdict was delivered on March 27, 2026, by Resident Magistrate in Charge, George Mbago.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on August 28, 2025, in the Bomba la Bure area of Magomeni Ward, where Ally was found with 90 grams of cannabis.
Legal Framework and Proceedings
Delivering the judgment, Magistrate Mbago explained that Ally’s actions violated Sections 16(1) and 2(c) of the Drug Control and Enforcement Act, Chapter 95 (Revised Edition, 2023). Initially, she denied the accusations when they were presented, which prompted the prosecution to provide evidence to validate their claims.
To support its case, the prosecution presented six witnesses and submitted seven exhibits. One key witness, Venance Lukondya, disclosed that on August 27, 2025, they received a tip-off about Ally allegedly selling cannabis. The following night, local officials and police conducted a consented search of her home.
During the search, officers uncovered a package containing cannabis in a green bag, locally referred to as a ‘Magufuli bag,’ situated behind the house. Upon discovery, Ally confessed that the substance was cannabis and claimed to use it for traditional medicinal purposes.
The cannabis was subsequently seized and analyzed by the Government Chemist, confirming the substance and weight as prohibited items under the law. Other witnesses corroborated the events, emphasizing that all protocols were meticulously followed during the arrest.
Defense and Verdict
In her defense, Ally maintained her innocence, alleging that police had fabricated the charges against her. She expressed that nothing was found inside her house and claimed she was coerced into signing documents out of fear. Despite her insistence that she had never been involved in cannabis use or trade, the court was not swayed.
After considering the evidence, the court determined that the prosecution had met the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, the court found Ally guilty of unlawful possession of narcotic drugs and sentenced her to 30 years in prison. Magistrate Mbago stated, “The court is satisfied that the prosecution has proved the charge beyond reasonable doubt. The accused is therefore convicted and sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment.”
The court additionally ordered the destruction of the 90 grams of cannabis under police supervision.
Before her sentencing, Ally requested leniency, expressing her responsibility for supporting her blind mother and grandmother and citing her own health issues.
