The trial of four men accused of gang rape in a case that has shocked Tanzania has been paused, according to a defence lawyer. The alleged assault took place in Dodoma, the capital, in May and only gained national attention after a former mayor shared the details on social media earlier this month.
The four suspects, who were arrested on August 9, appeared in Dodoma High Court earlier this week, where they pleaded not guilty to charges of gang rape and sodomy. However, the trial has been temporarily halted due to a legal application.
“The judge informed us that (she) had received a notice of the application filed in the High Court regarding the case, so the case should not proceed until the application is resolved,” said defence lawyer Meshack Ngamando. The application challenges the legality of the defence rights of the accused.
Ngamando emphasised that the defence team is not defending the actions of the accused but ensuring that their fundamental rights are upheld during the trial.
The trial, initially expected to continue until August 23, has attracted significant public interest. It is now uncertain when proceedings will resume, although the court has scheduled August 28 for a decision on the application.
In an effort to protect the alleged victim’s identity, she will be referred to as “XY” throughout the case, according to Renatus Mkude, Assistant Director at the Public Prosecution Office.
The case initially came to light when former mayor Boniface Jacob posted about it on social media, alleging that the suspects were linked to the Tanzanian armed forces. However, these claims have not been verified. Rights groups and citizens across Tanzania have condemned the attack, calling for justice and swift action.