NINE IN COURT FOR MURDER OF CONSERVATIONIST

Source: The Citizen, Thursday, 11, February 2016

Simiyu. Nine people appeared before the Bariadi Resident Magistrate’s Court charged with shooting down a helicopter and killing a British Pilot, Rodgers Gower, 37. They also face charges of economic sabotage and illegal possession of firearms.

The Conservationist, Rodgers Gower

 

The helicopter crashed when it was tracking a group of elephant poachers at Maswa Game Reserve in Meatu district, Simiyu region.

Public Prosecutor Yamiko Mlekano claimed that on January 29, this year the accused persons killed Pilot Gower in Maswa game Reserve, Meatu district, Simiyu region. Before the Principle Magistrate John Nkwabi the Public Prosecutor claimed the first defendant, Iddi Mashaka, 49, coordinated economic sabotage contrary to section 4 (1) (d), 51 (1) and 60 (2) of the Economic Sabotage Act.
He claimed between January 6 and first February, the first accused advised the second accused, Shija Mjikato kill an elephant worth32.8 million.
Other accused are 38, Njile Gunga, 28, Dotto Pangali, 42, and Moses Mndagu, 28, Dotto Huya,45, Mwigulu Kanga,40, Mapolu Njige,50, and Mange Barumi,47 who allegedly organized, coordinate nad carryout the killing of elephants.

It was alleged in court that the accused persons were found in possession of illegal ivory, government trophies weighing 31 kilograms worth 32.8 million.

In murder charges, the Public Prosecutor alleged that Shija Mjika, 38, Njile Gunga, 28, Dotto Pangalli, 42 and Moses Mndago,28, did kill the British Pilot. The accused were not allowed to enter any plea because the court does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate on such cases. The case will be mentioned on February 24.