LAMWAI DIES IN DAR

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TLS, Mr Kaleb Gamaya, confirmed the sad news, saying that Dr Lamwai, who was also senior lecturer at Tumaini University, died on Tuesday in Dar es Salaam following a short illness.

“It is true that Dr Lamwai has died. We do not know yet what the funeral arrangements are, but family sources have confirmed to us that he died after a short illness,” Mr Gamaya said.

In a notice to members of the bar, the TLS Secretariat has states, “It is with deep regret that we inform you of the untimely death of TLS Senior Member Advocate, Dr Masumbuko Lamwai, who passed away today (yesterday) 5th May, 2020 in Dar es Salaam following a short illness.”

Dr Lamwai joined the bar on December 14, 1986 becoming Roll No. 445.

He was an advocate of the High Court, but also appeared before the Court of Appeal of Tanzania, as well as lower court’s, notably, Resident Magistrate’s Courts.

He is remembered for his vast experience and expertise in handling different cases, both criminal and civil.

One of the famous cases he handled included the one involving former Home Affairs Minister Augustine Mrema, termed as “Rushwa ya 900m/- ” ( a 900m/- bribe).

In the case, Mr Mrema was accused of implicating former President Benjamin Mkapa of receiving a bribe to that tune.

The case was conducted at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dar es Salaam, with Dr Lamwai as one of defence counsels.

The trial was faced with some challenges, including some preliminary objections, seeking to dismiss the charges and acquit the accused person because Mrema made the claims during a parliamentary session.

The lawyers had argued that the accused was immune from prosecution.

Presiding Principal Resident Magistrate Augustine Shangwa, as he then was, dismissed the objection and ordered the hearing of the case to proceed.

Having been dissatisfied by the ruling, the lawyers opted out and boycotted the proceedings.