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High Court Halts Lissu Treason Trial After Registrar’s Death

Lissu’s case is being heard before a panel of three judges led by Justice Dunstan Ndunguru, the Resident Judge of the Iringa sub-registry, alongside Justices James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde.
October 17, 2025

The High Court in Dar es Salaam has unexpectedly adjourned the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu following the sudden death of Ms. Asha Mwetindwa, the Deputy Registrar of the Shinyanga sub-registry.

The hearing, which resumed on October 15, 2025, was part of ongoing proceedings in which Lissu is charged with treason for allegedly making statements deemed threatening to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania.

According to court sources, the session began as scheduled with Mr. Lissu continuing his cross-examination of Police Inspector John Kaaya, a cybercrime investigator attached to the office of the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI). However, proceedings were cut short around 11 a.m. after word reached the courtroom that Ms. Mwetindwa had passed away.

The announcement immediately changed the tone of the courtroom. Judges, lawyers, and court staff appeared visibly shaken by the news, prompting the presiding panel to suspend proceedings earlier than planned.

Lissu’s case is being heard before a panel of three judges led by Justice Dunstan Ndunguru, the Resident Judge of the Iringa sub-registry, alongside Justices James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde.

Court officials have not yet released details regarding the cause of Ms. Mwetindwa’s death, but judicial staff described her as a dedicated officer who had served the judiciary with distinction. The judiciary is expected to make formal arrangements to honor her service in the coming days.

Also Read; ICC Disqualifies Chief Prosecutor from Duterte Case

Mr. Lissu is facing a treason charge under Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code. The prosecution alleges that on April 3, 2025, he made public statements on social media expressing intentions to mobilize resistance against the government and disrupt the upcoming general election.

According to the charge sheet, his remarks included:

“If they say this position signals rebellion, it’s true… because we’re saying we’ll stop the election, we’ll mobilize resistance… we’ll really disrupt this election… we’re going to make it very chaotic.”

Lissu has consistently denied the allegations, saying his comments were taken out of context and reflected his call for democratic reform rather than rebellion.

The High Court is expected to announce a new hearing date once official court business resumes. Legal analysts note that the sudden adjournment highlights how even administrative disruptions can affect the pace of politically sensitive cases.

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