Man charged with allegedly impersonating former President

DAR ES SALAAM: Shembiu Shekilaghe, 38, a resident of Mabwepande, has been arraigned at the Kinondoni District Court, facing charges of providing false information and impersonating former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.

The charges were presented on September 23, by Government Prosecutor Salma Jafari before Senior Resident Magistrate Hawa Magesa.

She informed the court that the accused faces 14 counts, with the first three charges related to the provision of false information.

It was alleged that on September 2, 2024, the accused, while at an undisclosed location within the country, used a social media account under the name Mrisho Jakaya Kikwete to disseminate false information, promising loans in exchange for deposits.

ALSO READ: Kikwete stresses economic growth to tackle youth unemployment

One of the messages read: “If you deposit 49,000/-, you will receive a loan of 300,000/- with monthly repayments of 30,000/- for 10 months.”

On the same day, he allegedly posted another message stating: “If you deposit 59,000/-, you will receive a loan of 400,000/- with monthly repayments of 40,000/- for 10 months.”

The accused further claimed through the same account, “If you deposit 69,000/-, you will receive a loan of 500,000/- with monthly repayments of 50,000/- for 10 months.”