By Adonis Byemelwa
Tanga,
Tanzania - Kombo Mbwana, a 29-year-old resident of Kwamsala Village, Handeni
District, appeared before the Tanga District Court on July 30, 2024, following
nearly a month of disappearance and subsequent police detention.
Mbwana
faces charges under the Electronic and Postal Communications Act, with
allegations including failure to provide sufficient information about his SIM
card details and neglecting to register a SIM card previously owned by another
person.
The
case, officially registered as criminal case number 19759 of 2024, has drawn
significant public interest, partly due to the circumstances surrounding
Mbwana's disappearance. He was reportedly taken from his home by unknown
individuals on June 15, 2024, and remained missing until July 14, 2024, when
Acting Regional Police Commander Zakaria Bernard confirmed that Mbwana was in
police custody.
During
the court proceedings, Chief Magistrate Moses Maroa announced that bail was
available for Mbwana, stipulating that he would need two guarantors, each
required to sign a bond of Sh 2 million.
These
guarantors would also need to provide letters from their residential area
leaders and present their national IDs. However, despite these bail conditions
being outlined, the police intervened to prevent Mbwana's release, citing an
ongoing investigation.
The
Regional Crime Officer (RCO) of Tanga presented an affidavit requesting the
denial of bail, arguing that the investigation into the case was incomplete.
This move was met with opposition from Mbwana's legal team, who challenged the
police's request.
The
court has ordered Mbwana's lawyers to submit a counter-affidavit by August 12,
2024, ahead of the next hearing on the matter.
The
details of the charges highlight a broader issue within the region regarding
SIM card registration and the enforcement of communication regulations. Mbwana
is accused of not only failing to provide accurate information about his SIM
card but also of not reporting changes associated with it.
These charges fall under section 126 of the
Electronic and Postal Communications Act, which mandates strict compliance with
SIM card registration to curb misuse and enhance security.
The
case against Kombo Mbwana continues to unfold, with the court set to deliberate
further on the bail conditions and the legitimacy of the police's request to
deny his release. The upcoming hearing is expected to shed more light on the
ongoing investigation and the charges leveled against Mbwana. As the situation develops, it remains a focal
point of discussion within the community, reflecting concerns about individual
rights and the enforcement of communication laws in Tanzania.