How court acquitted Tanzania traditional healer jailed 30 years for rape
The High Court in Geita, Tanzania, has acquitted traditional healer Salvatory Richard, overturning his 30-year prison sentence for rape. The judge ruled that the evidence provided during the initial trial was insufficient and raised significant doubts regarding the identity of the perpetrator.
Why it matters
This case highlights the importance of judicial review in preventing wrongful convictions and ensuring the integrity of the legal system.
Arusha. Traditional healer Salvatory Richard has escaped serving a 30-year prison sentence after the High Court in Geita found that the evidence used to convict him left serious doubts regarding his identity and the circumstances of the incidents.
The court quashed the Bukombe District Court judgment that sentenced him on two counts of rape and ordered his immediate release, unless held for another lawful reason.
The decision was delivered on Friday, July 24, 2026, by Justice Griffin Mwakapeje, following Mr Richard’s appeal challenging the Bukombe District Court judgment in criminal case Number 7264 of 2026.
Initially, Mr Richard was convicted of two rape offences under sections 130(1), (2)(e) and 131(1) of the Penal Code and sentenced to 30 years' imprisonment per count, with sentences running concurrently.
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