Dar es Salaam – The High Court in Dar es Salaam erupted in laughter on Friday as Tundu Lissu, continuing his own defence in his treason trial, exposed a glaring contradiction in a state witness’s testimony, forcing the witness to admit his police statement listed his profession as “farmer” just a day after he told the court he was an electrician.
The fourteenth prosecution witness, testifying as ‘P9,’ had his credibility systematically dismantled by Mr Lissu, who highlighted a cascade of inconsistencies between the witness’s testimony and his official police statement, which was admitted as Exhibit D13.
The most striking moment came when Mr Lissu questioned the witness about his profession.
Tundu Lissu: You were asked what work you do, and you said you work as an electrician and your work is done in the Mbeya City Council area, true or not true?
Witness P9: True.
Tundu Lissu: Look at your statement. What work do you do?
Witness P9: Farmer.
The courtroom burst into laughter at the revelation. Mr Lissu, known for his sharp wit, added to the light moment, “You Waha from Kigoma are very clever, and I like clever people like you.”
Pattern of contradictions
This was just one of many inconsistencies Mr. Lissu exposed. The witness also contradicted himself on his place of residence, the details of a CHADEMA rally he claimed to have attended, and whether he was a CHADEMA member or merely a supporter.
READ MORE: Judges Reject Prosecution Bid to Silence Court Reporting; Lissu Pushes to Discredit More Witnesses
Crucial details from his testimony—such as the type of phone he used to watch an alleged incriminating video of Mr Lissu, the appearance of Mr Lissu in the video, and the exact words allegedly used—were all absent from his police statement.
When pressed on the contradictions, the witness grew defensive, at one point telling Mr Lissu, “Now you are asking me things the lawyers asked me.” Mr Lissu retorted, “Answer my question. Are you teaching me how to question you?”
The second witness of the day was Detective Corporal Amani, the police officer who arrested and took statements from a previous witness, P3. Mr Lissu subjected the officer to a similarly gruelling cross-examination, revealing that the officer’s own police statement (admitted as Exhibit D14) was missing numerous critical details he had just testified to in court.
When asked why these important details were missing, the officer gave a cryptic response.
Tundu Lissu: Have you told the honourable judges why these important matters are not in your statement?
Corporal Amani: I haven’t said, and I haven’t explained for reasons I know myself.
Mr Lissu also highlighted a direct contradiction between the officer’s testimony and that of the previous witness, P3. The officer claimed he did not place P3 in a holding cell, but Mr Lissu read from P3’s own statement (Exhibit D12) where P3 stated, “when we arrived at the station, he put me in a cell.”
Tundu Lissu: Now, my question is, between your testimony and the testimony of P3, which one should the Court take as the true testimony?
Corporal Amani: That is the duty of the court.
Frustration over delays
The day ended with a debate over adjourning the trial. The prosecution requested an early adjournment, citing the change in weather and the fact that both Christian and Muslim members of the court were fasting.
READ MORE: Lissu Shows Compassion as Prosecution Struggles; Another Witness Crumbles Under Cross-Examination
Mr Lissu strongly objected, arguing that the remaining 20 minutes could be used to address a pending procedural matter.
Tundu Lissu: Your Honours, for me, 20 minutes is not a small thing. I am asking for these 20 minutes because I have already said I have objections. I am the one in prison who is suffering, so I ask that we use these minutes to get something done. I am sitting in prison because of the games you government lawyers bring every day.
Despite his plea, the court adjourned the case until Monday morning, when it will first hear arguments on the prosecution’s notice to introduce additional evidence before continuing with more witnesses.
Adding a touch of personal defiance to the day’s proceedings, Mr Lissu appeared in court wearing a black T-shirt with the word “DUDA” printed in large letters—a word from his native Kinyaturu language meaning “a child who is much loved.”
The trial continues to expose significant weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, with the defence now having submitted 14 exhibits to the court, while the prosecution has yet to have a single exhibit admitted.
