Dar es Salaam-The treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu continued on August 13, 2026, with a confidential prosecution witness identified as ‘P’ taking the stand.
The witness, a 26-year-old journalist working with Jambo TV, was part of the team that covered an April 3, 2025 meeting, footage and content from which form part of the basis of the treason case. However, the video itself was later thrown out as evidence during the early stages of the proceedings.
The prosecution began by examining the confidential witness, after which Lissu cross-examined him. Where the witness explained the speakers at the meeting on April 03, 205, inluded Tundu Lissu, Vice Chairman John Heche, and Secretary General Mnyika.
State Attorney: In the way you’ve named the speakers, do you remember what they said?
Confidential Witness P: Generally, I remember they talked about “No reforms, no election” and how they were going to go about participating in that election.
State Attorney: How did they say they would go about the election?
Confidential Witness P: That without reforms there would be no election, and the Chairman was talking about how he would block that election.
State Attorney: Which Chairman?
Confidential Witness P: Tundu Lissu.
During his cross-examination, Lissu also sought to build rapport with the witness, detailing how he used to travel with Jambo TV, which covered his meetings across the country. The witness affirmed that their relationship was good. Lissu then turned to a key issue in the case: the claim that he had ‘published’ the video.
Lissu: In exhibit D16 there are words that say: “I remember that in that internal meeting we were live-streaming through Jambo TV.” I want you to say whether those were your words?
Confidential Witness P: Yes, they are mine.
Lissu: Also, “I remember there were some videos we broadcast on social media — Instagram, Twitter, that Jambo TV broadcast.” Explain if that was truly your statement?
Confidential Witness P: It is true.
Lissu: Thank you — truth is never a sin. Now witness, I have been put in prison because I am the one accused of having live-streamed the video and posted it on Jambo TV’s networks — is that accusation true or not true?
Confidential Witness P: We broadcast through you.
Lissu: Through me, fine, but was I the one who did the broadcasting?
Confidential Witness P: We broadcast through you.
Lissu: Did I touch your camera even a little?
Confidential Witness P: No.
Lissu: Did I instruct you or your colleagues that day to broadcast that live coverage?
Confidential Witness P: No.
Lissu: Did I tell you that day, “once you finish the live broadcast, post it on social media — YouTube, Instagram, and X”?
Confidential Witness P: No.
Lissu also asked the witness whether he had ever been threatened by a CHADEMA member or reported any threat of harm to the police. The witness said he had never been threatened by a CHADEMA member and had never reported any threats to the police or any other authority.
However, when asked whether he was afraid to testify publicly, the witness said he was, explaining that he was concerned CHADEMA supporters might view him negatively.
Lissu also repeated his appeal to the judges regarding his inability to communicate with potential witnesses, most of whom are party leaders who have allegedly been prevented by prison officials from visiting him. The judges told Lissu that they had heard his concerns and that the matter involved administrative issues that they would work to address.
