Arusha. The High Court of Tanzania, Morogoro Sub Registry, has quashed the conviction and 30-year prison sentence of Thomas Francis and Clarence Francis after finding the prosecution failed to prove the charge of armed robbery beyond reasonable doubt.
The appellants were convicted by the Kilosa District Court for allegedly committing armed robbery on July 6, 2024, at Mbegesela hamlet in Ikombe village, Mikumi Ward, Kilosa District, where they were accused of stealing Sh8 million from Mr Hamis Ndemeka and threatening him with a machete.
They were sentenced to 30 years in prison.
However, in a ruling delivered on Friday, June 19, 2026, Justice Stephen Magoiga overturned the conviction following their appeal.
He said the trial was marred by evidential gaps and legal irregularities, including failure to administer oaths or affirmations to the accused and witnesses before giving evidence.
