A pharmacist serving the Momba District Council in Songwe Region has been formally charged in court over the alleged theft of medicines and medical equipment valued at Tanzania Shillings 9 billion, in a case involving the Medical Stores Department (MSD).
The accused, Jackson Mahagi (39), appeared before the Resident Magistrate’s Court at Kisutu in Dar es Salaam, where prosecutors presented multiple charges, including theft, causing financial loss, and money laundering.
Allegations and Charges
According to the prosecution, Mahagi is accused of unlawfully appropriating medicines and medical equipment entrusted to him in his professional capacity as a pharmacist. The alleged offences reportedly occurred between January 2021 and April 2025, resulting in significant financial loss to MSD, the government agency responsible for the procurement and distribution of essential medical supplies nationwide.
Government Advocate Frank Rimoy told the court that the alleged offences amount to economic sabotage, given the scale of the loss and the public interest nature of the medical supplies involved.
Court Proceedings
Presiding magistrate Aaron Lyamuya informed the court that it lacks jurisdiction to hear economic sabotage cases without a special directive from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Consequently, the accused was not required to enter a plea at this stage.
The court adjourned the case to December 16, 2025, to allow for further legal procedures and a possible transfer to the High Court’s Commercial and Economic Crimes Division, which has the authority to handle such cases. The accused remains in custody pending the next hearing.
Public Interest and Sector Impact
The case has drawn attention to ongoing concerns about accountability and governance within the public health supply chain. Proper management of medicines is critical to ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services, particularly in public health facilities that rely heavily on MSD supplies.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding public resources and strengthening oversight mechanisms within the healthcare system.