The young lady ‘Lulu’(red dress) suspected of having a hand in the death of Tanzania’s film superstar several weeks ago, appeared before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court in Dare salaam Monday for preliminary hearing amidst tight security.
Lulu, whose true names are Elizabeth Michael aged 17, also an actress, is charged with the murder of film star Steven Kanumba.
Six prison officers guarding Elizabeth had a difficult time as they made their way to the courtroom through a crowd of anxious members of the public and journalists who thronged court corridors hours before she was brought in.
At this stage of the case, a magistrate will hear the case to determine if Lulu should be tried for the crime she is charged with, based on whether there is substantial evidence that she committed the crime, before the case goes to the High Court.
She would not be allowed to enter any plea since the lower court has no jurisdiction to hear a murder case.
It emerged Monday that a team of prominent lawyers including an official of the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRAGG) and former president of Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) Joaquina De-Mello have came to the defence of the young actress.
United States Embassy this year awarded De Mello the 2011 Tanzania Women of Courage Award in recognition of her efforts to promote equality, opportunity and justice for Tanzanian women and girls.
Others are Mr Kennedy Fungamtama who has successfully been representing Dowans Tanzania in a $94million case against state power company Tanesco and TLS vice president Peter Kibatala as well as Mr Fulgence Massawe from the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC).
The late star’s girlfriend, Lulu, is believed to have pushed him to his death during a particularly heated argument between the two lovebirds at midnight on April 7, 2012 this year at Sinza Vatican.
State Attorney Elizabeth Kaganda informed the court that investigations into the case have not been completed and asked for the court to set another date for the case. Magistrate Rita Tarimo adjourned the case to May 5.
Unlike a fortnight ago when Lulu appeared calm and composed on her first appearance in court, yesterday tears flowed freely from her eyes.
Donned in a red long gown, Lulu appeared panicky and in a tense mood. She soon started crying, something that forced the magistrate and prison officers to repeatedly console her.
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