seized from people suspected of plotting to help him escape from TMJ Hospital where he is admitted.
Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Suleiman Kova has
confirmed that the gun is legally owned by Bishop Gwajima and that
investigations into the matter are still ongoing.
In a related development, Bishop Gwajima welcomed yesterday’s
pardon by the Dar es Salaam Diocese of the Catholic Church, Polycarp
Cardinal Pengo but maintained that his statements were not meant to
insult his fellow spiritual leader.
“My words were not meant to insult the Cardinal…I was trying to
remind or warn him on the matter,” said Bishop Gwajima when addressing a
press conference at the hospital yesterday in Dar es Salaam.
The Bishop said his health is now stabilised and that is why he has been moved from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Before the press, Gwajima admitted that he ordered his followers to bring him the gun and bullets for self defence.
“I feared being killed by unknown people after hearing the rumour
that I was dead. I wanted to stay with the gun for self defence,” said
the bishop.
He queried why the police summoned him for interrogation because
his intention was not to quarrel with anyone. “I was shocked to be told
that I am wanted at the Central police station as I was sure that I had
not committed any offense,” he said.
Dr Fortunatus Mazigo, who was attending to the Bishop, confirmed
that Gwajima’s health was stable; “He is doing well, we are only
monitoring him as he continues with light exercises,” Mazigo said
Present at the hospital was the Civic United Front (CUF) National
Chairman, Prof Ibrahim Lipumba, Chadema Secretary General, Dr Wilbrod
Slaa and the Kinondoni District Commissioner Paul Makonda
Prof Lipumba said there was no need for police to interrogate
Gwajima because the Cardinal had not reported the matter to the police
and urged police to release him because Cardinal Pengo has already
forgiven him.
Last Friday, Gwajima was interrogated over an audio and video clip
that he made criticizing the Roman Catholic Church Archbishop of Dar es
Salaam, Polycarp Cardinal Pengo.
During the interrogation, Gwajima’s health suddenly took a turn for
the worst and he was rushed to the Kilwa Road police barracks hospital
for examination.
He was later transferred to the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH)
for further check up, but did not stay long before being transferred to
TMJ Hospital.
On Sunday, Dar es Salaam Special Zone Commissioner of Police (CP)
Suleiman Kova told reporters that they were holding 15 people on
suspicion of plotting to enable the Bishop escape from the TMJ Hospital.
According to Kova, after arrest, the suspects were found in
possession of a bag which contained various items, including a pistol
numbered CAT5802 with three rounds of ammunition.
He mentioned other items as 17 rounds of ammunition for a shotgun,
two cheque books, a passport bearing the name of Josephat Mathias
Gwajima with serial number AB 544 809, various documents, shoes, two
pairs of suits, underpants and two cellular phone chargers.
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