Joseph Isangura
Father Karoli Mganga, a Catholic priest from the Bunda Diocese in Mara region, Tanzania, was arraigned before the Musoma Resident Magistrate’s Court, facing 178 charges, including leading a criminal syndicate.
Alongside Father Mganga, the co-accused in this case is Gerald Mgendigendi, the former accountant of the Bunda Diocese.
The accused appeared in court today, Tuesday, August 6, 2024, before Resident Magistrate in Charge, Aloyce Katemana, where the charges against them were read.
The Mara Regional Chief Prosecutor, Amoscsye Erasto, alleged that the accused committed the crime of forgery, contrary to the Penal Code, Chapter 16, revised edition 2022.
Also Read: Priest Suspended Amid Child Murder Allegations
Erasto claimed that the accused, while serving as employees of the church, embezzled TZS 1.7 billion along with foreign currency, including over USD 100,000 and more than EUR 20,000.
In total, they are facing 178 charges, including leading a criminal gang, money laundering, and numerous other offenses.
However, after the charges were read, the accused were not required to enter a plea as the court does not have the legal jurisdiction to hear the case.
The case is scheduled for mention again on August 20, 2024, and the accused have been remanded in custody.
