MWE Correspondent
The High Court in Dar es Salaam is expected to rule on whether prosecutors can introduce additional evidence in the treason case facing Tundu Lissu, a decision that could significantly shape one of the country’s most closely watched political trials.
The case, being heard at the High Court of Tanzania registry in the commercial capital, returned to session on February 23, 2026, before a panel of three judges led by Dunstan Ndunguru. The immediate issue before the court is whether to accept a formal notice filed by state prosecutors seeking to add further testimony from a senior police investigator.
Government Chief Attorney Nassoro Katuga told the court that the prosecution had filed the notice on February 18, 2026, under provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act, the law that governs how criminal trials are conducted. He said the additional material relates to testimony from ACP Amini Mahamba, the lead investigator who oversaw inquiries into events surrounding and following the October 2025 general election.
According to the prosecution, the investigator’s supplementary evidence is based on findings that were not included during earlier committal proceedings, a preliminary stage in which evidence is reviewed before a full trial begins. Katuga argued that the additional testimony would help provide a clearer picture of the events under investigation and assist the court in reaching a fair decision.
However, Lissu strongly objected to the request, arguing that the law does not permit prosecutors to expand the testimony of a witness who has already presented evidence. He told the court that the legal provision cited applies only to witnesses who had not previously testified, not to those whose statements were already on record.
Lissu also questioned the relevance of the proposed evidence, telling the judges that it referred to incidents that occurred months after the offences he is accused of committing.
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“The events they are talking about happened in October, but the charges against me relate to April,” he said in court. “I was arrested, charged, and have been in detention since then. It is not right to introduce unrelated matters.”
At one point, Lissu made an emotional statement, referring to the violence that followed the election period.
“I am ready to discuss October 29,” he said. “But those were serious events. There were killings, and those matters are not simple.”
The case has drawn national and international attention, not only because of the seriousness of the treason charge but also because of Lissu’s political profile. He is the chairman of Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo, commonly known as CHADEMA, one of the country’s main opposition parties, as explained in its party background.
Legal analysts say the court’s upcoming ruling on the admissibility of the new evidence could have a major impact on how the trial proceeds. If the judges allow the additional testimony, the prosecution could strengthen its case. If the court rejects it, the trial will continue based only on the evidence already presented.
For now, the proceedings remain at a critical stage. The judges are expected to carefully consider arguments from both sides before delivering their decision.
As the country watches closely, the outcome of this legal battle may not only determine the future of one political figure but also test the strength and independence of Tanzania’s judicial process.
The ruling, expected soon, could mark a turning point in a case that continues to draw intense public interest and debate.
