Trial in gang rape case that outraged Tanzania halted

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The trial of four men accused of gang rape in a case that has shocked Tanzania was adjourned on Friday, a defense lawyer said.

The alleged attack in the capital Dodoma in May came to light after a former mayor of the region posted about it on X on August 4, prompting condemnation and calls for action from human rights groups across the country.

The four men, who were arrested on August 9, appeared before the Dodoma High Court earlier this week, where they pleaded not guilty to charges of gang rape and sodomy against the woman.

“The judge informed us that she had received notification of the application filed with the Supreme Court regarding this case and therefore the proceedings should not be pursued until the application is resolved,” said defence lawyer Meshack Ngamando.

Officials had previously said the trial would last until August 23 because it had attracted a lot of interest.

The application challenges the legality of the defendant's defense, Ngamando said.

He said people must “understand that our goal is not to defend the accused, but to represent them so that they can obtain their basic rights.”

It is unclear when the trial will resume, but the court had set August 28 as the date to decide on the motion.

The identity of the alleged victim has not been disclosed. Renatus Mkude, deputy director of public prosecutions, said she is referred to as “XY” in this case.

When the incident first surfaced in posts by former mayor Boniface Jacob on X, he claimed the men were likely members of the Tanzanian armed forces, but this could not be verified.

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