HEARING in a case involving nine people, including Chadema Women’s Wing (BAWACHA) Chairperson, Halima Mdee, will continue on May 4, this year, following adjournment filed at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court due to absence of the presiding magistrate.

Before Resident Magistrate Nyigulila Mwaseba, State Attorney Janethrosa Kitali told the court that the case had been brought for mention.

“We request for an adjournment because the magistrate who is in charge of hearing the case has failed to attend the session due to some emergencies,” said State Attorney Kitali.

In the case, Mdee, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kawe constituency, is charged alongside Rose Moshi, Renina Leafyagila, Anna Linjewile, Mwanne Kassim, Sophia Fanuael, Edward Julius, Martha Mtiko and Beatus Mmari.

It is alleged that without lawful excuse, the accused disobeyed a lawful order to disperse issued by Superintendent of Police Emmanuel Tillf, who had been acting in the capacity of a police officer duly authorised in that behalf.

The prosecution further alleges that on the same day and at the same place, the accused unlawfully assembled with intent to carry out some common purpose of going to the President’s Office.

It was reported that Mdee, after her arrest in connection with the incident, was taken to Oysterbay Police Station where she was held for several hours along with eight other members of the wing. Earlier, Bawacha had demanded a permit from the police to carry out the demonstration.

However, the police did not grant them the permit for what they said was security reasons. On the material day, Mdee began briefing journalists on their intention to hold a demo, saying they had been allowed by the State House to see the president.

She claimed that their demonstration was legal because they had properly informed the police three days earlier. Mdee further said that the police responded very late on their request on holding the demonstration