Three convicts get death penalty

Iringa/Rungwe.The High Court has sentenced to death three residents of Iringa and Rungwe districts after finding them guilty of killing three people in separate incidents.

The court convicted Leopard Mkore, 29, a resident of Iringa, Akimu Mwakalinga, 40, and David Nkwaba, 57, both residents of Rungwe.

Sitting in Iringa Region, the High Court convicted Leopard Mkore, 29, of murder in connection with the killing of Ms Rehema Ismail and Ms Rabda Juma on November 4, 2009 at Tanangozi Village in Iringa.

Delivering the verdict, Lady Justice Mwanaisha Kwariko said the court was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Mkore committed the murder.

According to Lady Justice Kwariko, Mkore shot dead the women after they rejected to have an affair with him.

In its sitting in Mbeya, the High Court also convicted Mwakalinga and Nkwaba of having murdered CCM chairman in Rungwe District, Mr John Mwankenja.

According to prosecution, the duo committed the offence on May 19, 2011 in Mpandapanda Village.

It was earlier alleged that the accused fired four bullets that hit Mr Mwankenja on his head, killing him instantly when he was driving his car.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Atupele Ngwala said the court was satisfied with evidence given by the prosecution, thus sentenced the duo to death.