The Criminal Procedure Act
Part 3 of 5 · provisions 401–600
This section sets out the procedure to be used for the trial of offences.
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This section sets out the procedure to be used for the trial of offences. 5. Overriding objective. part ii PROCEDURE RELATING TO CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS A. - Arrest, Escape, Recapture, Search Warrants and Seizure (a) Preliminary Provisions This section concerns a person who is under restraint and in lawful custody. This Part applies to police officers. This section concerns a duty to give information about crimes and sudden deaths.
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Provisions of The Criminal Procedure Act
Showing 200 of 827
Part
Chapter relating to the same coin, or of abetment of or
- 140 Verify source ↗
A person who has once been tried by a court of competent
AI-assisted research summary: A person who has already been tried for an offence cannot be tried again on the same facts for the same offence while the earlier conviction or acquittal still stands.
140. A person who has once been tried by a court of competent jurisdiction for an offence and convicted or acquitted of such offence shall, while such conviction or acquittal has not been reversed or set aside, not be liable to be tried again on the same facts for the same offence. [ s. 137] Person may be tried again for separate offences - 141 Verify source ↗
A person convicted or acquitted of any offence may be
AI-assisted research summary: A person who was convicted or acquitted of an offence may later be tried for another offence that could have been charged at the earlier trial under section 137(1).
141. A person convicted or acquitted of any offence may be afterwards tried for any other offence with which he might have been charged on the former trial under subsection (1) of section 137. [ s. 138] Consequences supervening or not known at time of former trial - 142 Verify source ↗
A person convicted or acquitted of any act causing
AI-assisted research summary: A person may be tried again for a different offence arising from the same act if the later consequences were unknown or had not yet happened when the first case ended.
142. A person convicted or acquitted of any act causing consequences which together with such act constitute a different offence from that for which such person was convicted or acquitted, may be afterwards tried for such last-mentioned offence if the consequences had not happened or were not known to the court to have happened at the time when he was convicted or acquitted. [ s. 139] Where original court was not competent to try subsequent charge - 143 Verify source ↗
A person convicted or acquitted of any offence constituted
AI-assisted research summary: A person who was convicted or acquitted may still be charged and tried for another offence based on the same acts if the first court was not competent to try that later offence.
143. A person convicted or acquitted of any offence constituted by any act may, notwithstanding such conviction or acquittal, be subsequently charged with and tried for any other offence constituted by the same acts which he may have committed, if 124 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] the court by which he was first tried was not competent to try the offence with which he is subsequently charged. [ s. 140] Previous conviction, how proved - 144 Verify source ↗
(1) In any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this
AI-assisted research summary: This provision says how a previous conviction may be proved in court, including by certified court or prison records, a warrant of commitment, a final judgment, or certain certificates using fingerprints.
144.–(1) In any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Act, a previous conviction may be proved, in addition to any other mode provided by any law in force- (a) by an extract certified, under the hand of the officer having the custody of the records of the court in which such conviction was had, to be a copy of the sentence or order; (b) by a certificate signed by the officer in charge of the prison in which the punishment or any part of it was inflicted; (c) by production of the warrant of commitment under which the punishment was suffered; or (d) by production of a final judgment of a competent court finally declaring a person to be guilty of the offence, together with, in each such case, evidence as to the identity of the accused person with the person so convicted. (2) A certificate in the form prescribed by the Director of Public Prosecutions given under the hand of an officer appointed by him in that behalf, who shall have compared the fingerprints of an accused person with the fingerprints of a person previously convicted, shall be prima facie evidence of all facts set forth in it provided it is produced by the person who took the fingerprints of the accused. (3) A previous conviction in any place outside the United Republic may be proved by the production of a certificate purporting to be given under the hand of a police officer in the country where the conviction was had, containing a copy of the sentence or order and the fingerprints or photographs of the fingerprints of the persons so convicted, together with either- (a) evidence that the fingerprints, or the photographs, of the person previously convicted are those of the accused person; or 125 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (b) a certificate given under the hand of an officer appointed by the Director of Public Prosecutions under subsection (2) that he has compared the fingerprints, or the photographs, of the person previously convicted with the fingerprints or the photographs of the accused person and that they are those of one and the same person. (4) A certificate purporting to be given under the hand of a police officer in the country where the conviction was had and a certificate given in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (b) of subsection (3) shall, if in the case of the latter certificate it is produced by the person who took the fingerprints of the accused person, be prima facie evidence of all facts set forth in it without proof that the officer purporting to sign it did in fact sign it and was empowered to do so. [ s. 141] (d) Compelling Attendance of Witnesses - 145 Verify source ↗
(1) Where it is made to appear that material evidence
AI-assisted research summary: A court may summon a person if that person can provide, or holds, material evidence.
145.–(1) Where it is made to appear that material evidence can be given by or is in the possession of any person, it shall be lawful for a court to issue summons to that person requiring his attendance before the court or requiring him to bring and produce to the court for the purpose of evidence all documents and writings in his possession or power which may be specified or otherwise sufficiently described in the summons. (2) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to affect the Summons for witness Cap. 6 provisions of section 140 of the Evidence Act. [ s. 142] Warrant for witness who disobeys summons - 146 Verify source ↗
Where, without sufficient excuse, a witness does not
AI-assisted research summary: If a witness fails to appear after proper service of a court summons and has no sufficient excuse, the court may issue a warrant to bring the witness before it.
146. Where, without sufficient excuse, a witness does not appear in obedience to a summons of the court, on proof of the proper service of the summons a reasonable time before he is required to appear, the court may issue a warrant to bring him before the court at such time and place as shall be specified in the warrant. [ s. 143] 126 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Warrant for witness in first appearance - 147 Verify source ↗
Where the court is satisfied by evidence on oath that a
AI-assisted research summary: If the court has oath evidence that a witness will not come unless compelled, it may immediately issue a warrant to arrest and produce the witness before the court.
147. Where the court is satisfied by evidence on oath that a witness will not attend unless compelled to do so, it may at once issue a warrant for the arrest and production of the witness before the court at a time and place to be specified in the warrant of arrest. [ s. 144] Mode of dealing with witness arrested under warrant - 148 Verify source ↗
Where a witness is arrested under a warrant the court may,
AI-assisted research summary: If a witness is arrested under a warrant, the court may release the witness on security by recognisance; if security is not given, the court must detain the witness for the hearing.
148. Where a witness is arrested under a warrant the court may, on his furnishing security by recognisance to the satisfaction of the court for his appearance at the hearing of the case, order him to be released from custody, or shall, on his failing to furnish security, order him to be detained for production at the hearing. [ s. 145] Power of court to order prisoner to be brought up for examination Penalty for non- attendance of witness - 149 Verify source ↗
(1) Any court desirous of examining as a witness, in
AI-assisted research summary: A court may order a prison officer to bring a prisoner before it for examination, and the officer must comply and keep the prisoner safe while away from the prison.
149.–(1) Any court desirous of examining as a witness, in any case pending before it, any person confined in any prison within the local limits of its jurisdiction may issue an order to the officer in charge of the prison requiring him to bring that prisoner in proper custody, at a time to be named in the order, before the court for examination. (2) The officer so in charge, on receipt of the order, shall act in accordance with it and shall provide for the safe custody of the prisoner during his absence from the prison for the purpose specified in the order. [ s. 146] - 150 Verify source ↗
(1) A person summoned to attend as a witness who,
AI-assisted research summary: A summoned witness who misses court without lawful excuse, leaves without permission, or fails to return when ordered can be fined up to 500 shillings.
150.–(1) A person summoned to attend as a witness who, without lawful excuse, fails to attend as required by the summons or who, having attended, departs without having obtained the permission of the court or fails to attend after adjournment of the court after being ordered to attend, shall be liable by order of the court to a fine not exceeding five hundred shillings. (2) The fine imposed under subsection (1) may be levied by attachment and sale of any movable property belonging to 127 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Bail Acts Nos. 12 of 1987 s. 25; 13 of 1988 Sch.; 10 of 1989 Sch.; 27 of 1991 Sch.; 12 of 1998 Sch.; 9 of 2002 Sch.; 21 of 2002 s. 49; 2 of 2007 s. 19; 6 of 2008 s. 39 the witness which is within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the court. (3) In default of recovery of the fine by attachment and sale the witness may, by order of the court, be imprisoned as a civil prisoner for a term of fifteen days unless the fine is paid before the end of the said term. (4) For good cause shown, the High Court may remit or reduce any fine imposed under this section by a subordinate court. [ s. 147] (e) Provisions as to Bail, Recognisances and Bonds - 151 Verify source ↗
(1) Where any person is arrested or detained without
AI-assisted research summary: This section lets a police officer or court grant bail to a person in custody, but also lists cases where bail must be refused and allows the High Court to intervene.
151.–(1) Where any person is arrested or detained without warrant by an officer in charge of a police station or appears or is brought before a court and is prepared at any time while in the custody of that officer or at any stage of the proceedings before that court to give bail the officer or the court, may, subject to the following provisions of this section, admit that person to bail; save that, the officer or the court may, instead of taking bail from that person, release him on his executing a bond with or without sureties for his appearance as provided in this section. (2) The amount of a bail shall be fixed with due regard to the gravity and other circumstances of the case, but shall not be excessive. (3) The High Court may, subject to subsections (4) and (5) of this section, in any case direct that any person be admitted to bail or that the bail required by a subordinate court or a police officer be reduced. (4) Notwithstanding anything in this section contained, no police officer or court shall, after a person is arrested and while he is awaiting trial or appeal, admit that person to bail if the Director of Public Prosecutions, certifies in writing that it is likely that the safety or interests of the Republic would thereby be prejudiced; and a certificate issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions under this section shall take effect 128 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Cap. 95 Cap. 19 Cap. 423 Cap. 432 from the date it is filed in court or notified to the officer in charge of a police station and shall remain in effect until the proceedings concerned are concluded or the Director of Public Prosecutions withdraws it. (5) A police officer in charge of a police station or a court before whom an accused person is brought or appears, shall not admit that person to bail if- (a) that person is charged with- (i) murder, treason, armed robbery, or defilement; (ii) illicit trafficking in drugs against the Drug Control and Enforcement Act, but does not include a person charged for an offence of being in possession of drugs which taking into account all circumstances in which the offence was committed, was not meant for conveyance or commercial purpose; (iii) an offence involving heroin, cocaine, prepared opium, opium poppy (papaver setigerum), poppy straw, coca plant, coca leaves, cannabis sativa or cannabis resin (Indian hemp), methaqualone (mandrax), catha edulis (khat) or any other narcotic drug or psychotropic substance which has an established value certified by the Commissioner for National Co-ordination of Drugs Control Commission, as exceeding ten million shillings; (iv) terrorism against the Prevention of Terrorism Act; to Anti-money (v) money laundering contrary Laundering Act; (vi) trafficking in persons under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act; (b) it appears that the accused person has previously been sentenced to imprisonment for a term exceeding three years. (c) it appears that the accused person has previously been granted bail by a court and failed to comply with the conditions of the bail or absconded; 129 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (d) it appears to the court that it is necessary that the accused person be kept in custody for his own protection or safety; (e) the offence with which the person is charged involves actual money or property whose value exceeds ten million shillings unless that person deposits cash or other property equivalent to half the amount or value of actual money or property involved and the rest is secured by execution of a bond: Provided that, where the property to be deposited is immovable, it shall be sufficient to deposit the title deed, or if the title deed is not available such other evidence as is satisfactory to the court in proof of existence of the property; save that this provision shall not apply in the case of police bail. (6) Where a court decides to admit an accused person to bail, it shall impose the following conditions on the bail, namely- (a) surrender by the accused person to the police of his passport or any other travel document; and (b) restriction of the movement of the accused to the area of the town, village or other area of his residence. (7) A court may, in addition to the mandatory conditions prescribed in subsection (6), impose any one or more of the following conditions which appear to the court to be likely to result in the appearance of the accused for the trial or resumption of the trial at the time and place required or as may be necessary in the interests of justice or for the prevention of crime, namely- (a) requiring the accused to report at specified intervals to a police station or other authority within the area of his residence; (b) requiring the accused to abstain from visiting a particular locality or premises, or associating with certain specified persons; 130 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Power of High Court to vary terms of bail by lower court Change of circumstances after grant of bail Execution of bonds (c) any other condition which the court may deem proper and just to impose in addition to the preceding conditions. [ s. 148] - 152 Verify source ↗
Where in connection with any criminal proceedings
AI-assisted research summary: The High Court may deal with bail where a subordinate court has power to grant it but refuses, imposes unacceptable terms, or has already granted bail.
152. Where in connection with any criminal proceedings a subordinate court has power to admit any person to bail but either refuses to do so or does so or offers to do so on terms unacceptable to him, the High Court may admit him or direct his admission to bail or, where he has been admitted to bail, may vary any conditions on which he was so admitted or reduce the amount in which he or any surety is bound to discharge any of the sureties. [ s. 149] - 153 Verify source ↗
Where an accused person has been admitted to bail and
AI-assisted research summary: If a bailed accused person later faces new circumstances, a judge or magistrate may issue a warrant and may send the person to prison pending trial or keep them on bail, including at a higher amount.
153. Where an accused person has been admitted to bail and circumstances arise which, if the accused person had not been admitted to bail would, in the opinion of a prosecutor or police officer, justify the court in refusing bail or in requiring bail of greater amount, the judge or magistrate, on the circumstances being brought to his notice by a prosecutor or a police officer, issue a warrant for the arrest of the accused person and, after giving the accused person an opportunity of being heard, may either commit him to prison to await trial or admit him to bail for the same or on an increased amount as the judge or magistrate may think just. [ s. 150] - 154 Verify source ↗
Before any person is released on bail, or on his own
AI-assisted research summary: Before release on bail or recognisance, the person must execute a sufficient bond; if released on bail, one or more sufficient sureties must also execute it, and the bond must require attendance at the stated time and place until the court or police officer directs otherwise.
154. Before any person is released on bail, or on his own recognisance, a bond for such sum as the court or police officer, thinks sufficient shall be executed by such person, and when he is released on bail, by one or more sufficient sureties, conditioned that he shall attend at the time and place mentioned in the bond and shall continue so to attend until otherwise directed by the court or police officer. [ s. 151] 131 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Discharge from custody - 155 Verify source ↗
(1) As soon as the bond has been executed, the person
AI-assisted research summary: When a bond has been executed, the person covered by it must be released. If the person is in prison, the court must issue a release order and the prison officer must release the person on receiving it.
155.–(1) As soon as the bond has been executed, the person for whose appearance it has been executed shall be released, and when he is in prison the court admitting him to bail shall issue an order of release to the officer in charge of the prison and the officer, on receipt of the order, shall release him. (2) Nothing in this section or section 151 shall be deemed to require the release of any person liable to be detained for some matter other than that in respect of which the bond was executed. [ s. 152] Deposit instead of bond - 156 Verify source ↗
Where any person is required by any court or police officer
AI-assisted research summary: A court or police officer may allow a person who must execute a bond to pay a money deposit instead, except for a bond for good behaviour.
156. Where any person is required by any court or police officer to execute a bond, with or without sureties, the court or police officer may, except in the case of a bond for good behaviour, permit him to deposit a sum of money of such amount as the court or police officer may fix in lieu of executing the bond. [ s. 153] Power to order sufficient bail when that first taken is insufficient - 157 Verify source ↗
Where, through mistake, fraud or for any other reason,
AI-assisted research summary: If accepted sureties are later found to be insufficient, the court may order the person released on bail to provide sureties, bring the person before it by warrant, and imprison the person if they do not comply.
157. Where, through mistake, fraud or for any other reason, insufficient sureties have been accepted, or if they afterwards become insufficient, the court may issue a warrant of arrest directing that the person released on bail be brought before it and may order him to find sureties and on his failing to do so may commit him to prison. [ s. 154] Discharge of sureties - 158 Verify source ↗
(1) All or any of the sureties for the appearance and
AI-assisted research summary: Sureties may ask a magistrate to discharge a bail bond, and the magistrate must issue a warrant and may later discharge the bond or commit the person to prison if new sureties are not found.
158.–(1) All or any of the sureties for the appearance and attendance of a person released on bail may at any time apply to a magistrate to discharge the bond either wholly or so far as it relates to the applicant or applicants. (2) On an application being made the magistrate shall issue a warrant of arrest directing that the person on bail be brought before him. (3) On the appearance of such person pursuant to the warrant, or on his voluntary surrender, the magistrate shall direct the bond to be discharged either wholly or so far as it 132 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] relates to the applicant or applicants, and shall call upon such person to find other sufficient sureties, and if he fails to do so may commit him to prison. [ s. 155] Death of surety - 159 Verify source ↗
Where a surety to a bond dies before the bond is forfeited,
AI-assisted research summary: If a surety dies before a bond is forfeited, the surety’s estate is released from liability on the bond, and the person who gave the bond may have to find a new surety.
159. Where a surety to a bond dies before the bond is forfeited, his estate shall be discharged from all liability in respect of the bond, but the party who gave the bond may be required to find a new surety. [ s. 156] Person bound by recognisance absconding or breaking condition of bail may be arrested - 160 Verify source ↗
(1) A police officer may arrest without warrant any
AI-assisted research summary: A police officer may arrest a person on bail without a warrant in specified bail-breach situations, and an arrested person must be brought before the proper magistrate or court within the stated time.
160.–(1) A police officer may arrest without warrant any person who has been admitted to bail- (a) where the police officer has reasonable grounds for believing that the person is likely to break the condition that he will appear at the time and place required or any other condition on which he was admitted to bail, or if the police officer has cause to suspect that, that person is breaking or has broken any such other condition; or (b) on being notified in writing by any surety for that person that the surety believes that, that person is likely to break the first mentioned condition and for that reason the surety wishes to be relieved of his obligation as surety. (2) A person arrested under subsection (1)- (a) shall, unless he is arrested within the period of twenty four hours immediately preceding an occasion on which he is required by virtue of a condition of his bail to appear before any court, be brought as soon as practicable, and in any event within twenty four hours after his arrest, before a magistrate with jurisdiction of the area in which he was arrested; and (b) in the excepted case, shall be brought before the court before which he is required for resumption of the trial. [ s. 157] 133 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Person absconding or breaking condition of bail not to be considered for further bail - 161 Verify source ↗
A person who is on bail and who is arrested on the
AI-assisted research summary: If a person on bail is arrested on reasonable suspicion of breaking bail conditions, and the court is satisfied the arrest was justified, the person cannot be considered again for further bail in the same case.
161. A person who is on bail and who is arrested on the reasonable suspicion that he is preparing to break or is in the process of breaking his conditions of bail shall, if the court is satisfied that he was justly arrested, not be considered again for any further bail in the same case. [ s. 158] Punishment for breaking conditions of bail or for non- appearance - 162 Verify source ↗
Where a person absconds while he is on bail or, not
AI-assisted research summary: If a person absconds on bail or fails to appear and hides to avoid arrest, some of their property may be confiscated and the trial may continue.
162. Where a person absconds while he is on bail or, not being on bail, fails to appear before the court on the date fixed and conceals himself so that a warrant of arrest may not be executed- Forfeiture of recognisance Cap. 16 (a) such of his property, movable or immovable, as is commensurate to the monetary value of any property involved in the case may be confiscated by attachment; and (b) the trial in respect of that person shall continue irrespective of the stage of the trial when the accused absconds, after sufficient efforts have been made to trace him and compel his attendance. [ s. 159] - 163 Verify source ↗
(1) Whenever it is proved to the satisfaction of a court
AI-assisted research summary: If a recognisance is proved forfeited, the court can require payment of the penalty, recover it by warrant against movable property, and in some cases order six months’ imprisonment.
163.–(1) Whenever it is proved to the satisfaction of a court by which a recognisance under this Act or the Penal Code has been taken or when the recognisance has been taken by a police officer for appearance before the court that such recognisance has been forfeited, the court shall record the grounds of such proof and may call upon any person bound by the recognisance to pay the penalty thereof or to show cause why it should not be paid. (2) Where sufficient cause is not shown and the penalty is not paid, the court may proceed to recover the penalty by issuing a warrant for the attachment and sale of the movable property belonging to that person or his estate if he is dead. (3) The warrant may be executed within the local limits of the jurisdiction of the court which issued it and it shall authorise the attachment and sale of the movable property belonging to that person outside such limits when endorsed 134 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] by any magistrate within the local limits of whose jurisdiction that property is found. (4) Where that penalty is not paid and cannot be recovered by attachment and sale, the person so bound shall be liable, by order of the court which issued the warrant, to imprisonment for six months. (5) The court may, at its discretion, remit any portion of the penalty and enforce payment in part only. (6) Where a surety to a recognisance dies before the recognisance is forfeited, his estate shall be discharged from all liability in respect of the recognisance. (7) When any person who has furnished security is convicted of an offence the commission of which constitutes a breach of the condition of his recognisance, a certified copy of the judgment of the court by which he was convicted of the offence may be used as evidence in the proceedings under this section against his surety or sureties and if the certified copy is so used the court shall presume that the offence was committed by him unless the contrary is proved. [ s. 160] Appeal from and revision of orders - 164 Verify source ↗
All orders issued under sections 151 to 163 by any
AI-assisted research summary: Orders made by a magistrate under sections 151 to 163 can be appealed to the High Court and may be reviewed by it.
164. All orders issued under sections 151 to 163 by any magistrate shall be appealable to, and may be reviewed by the High Court. [ s. 161] Power to direct levy of amount due on certain recognisances - 165 Verify source ↗
The High Court may direct any magistrate to levy the
AI-assisted research summary: The High Court may tell a magistrate to levy the amount due on a recognisance so the person appears and attends the High Court.
165. The High Court may direct any magistrate to levy the amount due on the recognisance to appear and attend at the High Court. [ s. 162] Reconciliation in certain cases Act No. 2 of 2020 s. 93 - 166 Verify source ↗
(1) In the case of proceedings for common assault or for
AI-assisted research summary: The court may help settle certain minor personal offences by reconciliation, compensation, or other approved terms, and may stay or dismiss the proceedings.
166.–(1) In the case of proceedings for common assault or for any other offence of a personal or private nature the court may, if it is of the opinion that the public interest does not demand the infliction of the penalty, promote reconciliation and encourage and facilitate the settlement, in an amicable way, of the proceedings or on terms of payment of compensation or 135 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] other terms approved by the court, and may thereupon order the proceedings to be stayed. (2) For the purpose of subsection (1), a court may, with the consent of the complainant, reconcile the parties or otherwise advise the parties to seek the service of a reconciliator. (3) The terms approved by the court under subsection (1) may include- (a) giving of an apology in an appropriate manner; (b) giving of a promise or undertaking not to reoffend, or to respect the rights and interests of any victim; (c) mandatory attendance at any counselling services or other program aimed at rehabilitation; (d) a promise or undertaking to alter any habits or conduct, such as the consumption of alcohol or any other prohibited substance; (e) a promise or undertaking not to associate with persons shown to be of bad habit or influence to the accused person; or (f) any other term the court may deem proper to make taking into account the circumstances of the case. (4) A court shall only proceed under subsection (2) where it is satisfied that it is in the interests of the complainant to proceed in such a manner, and in any case involving domestic violence, the court shall ensure that the victim of the violence does not submit to any proceedings being undertaken in accordance with this section by reason of pressure being exerted to him or her in any form by the accused person. (5) Upon proceeding in accordance with this section the court may- (a) order the proceedings to be stayed for a specified period of time upon the accused person entering into any bond to comply with the terms imposed by the court under subsection (2); or (b) dismiss the proceedings. (6) The reconciliator shall make proper record of every aspect of the outcome of the proceedings on the court files 136 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] and in the records of an accused person whose case has been dealt with in accordance with the procedures specified in this section. (7) The Minister may, in consultation with the Chief Justice, make rules for better implementation of the provisions of this section. [ s. 163] PART VI TRIALS GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO TRIALS A. - Powers of Courts (a) Powers Generally Offences under Penal Code Cap. 16 Offences under laws other than Penal Code
Part
PART VI
- 167 Verify source ↗
(1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, any offence
AI-assisted research summary: This section says offences under the Penal Code may be tried by the High Court, and some may also be tried by a subordinate court.
167.–(1) Subject to the other provisions of this Act, any offence under the Penal Code may be tried by the High Court or, where the offence is shown in the fifth column of Part A of the First Schedule to this Act, by a subordinate court. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where no provision is made in Part A of the First Schedule to this Act in respect of any offence under the Penal Code, the offence shall be triable, and shall be deemed to have always been triable, by the High Court as well as by a subordinate court. [ s. 164]
Part
Schedule to this Act, by a subordinate court.
- 168 Verify source ↗
(1) Any offence under any law other than the Penal Code
AI-assisted research summary: Offences under laws other than the Penal Code are tried by the court named in that law; if none is named, they may be tried by the High Court or, in some cases, a subordinate court.
168.–(1) Any offence under any law other than the Penal Code shall, when any court is specified in that behalf in that law, be tried by that court. (2) Where no court is so mentioned it may, subject to the other provisions of this Act, be tried by the High Court or, where the offence is shown in the fifth column of Part B of the First Schedule to this Act to be an offence triable by subordinate court, by a subordinate court. [ s. 165] 137 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Sentences which High Court may pass Combination of sentences Act No. 5 of 2002 Sch. Sentences in cases of conviction of two or more offences at one trial Act No. 4 of 1998 s. 22 - 169 Verify source ↗
The High Court may pass sentence or make any other
AI-assisted research summary: The High Court may pass sentence or make another order authorised by law.
169. The High Court may pass sentence or make any other order authorised by law. [ s. 166] - 170 Verify source ↗
(1) A court may pass lawful sentence combining any of
AI-assisted research summary: A court may combine lawful sentences, but some corporal punishment sentences by certain subordinate courts need High Court confirmation. The court may also bar parole when sentencing under subsection (1), and must give reasons.
170.–(1) A court may pass lawful sentence combining any of the sentences which it is authorised by law to pass; but where a subordinate court presided over by a magistrate other than a resident magistrate or a senior district magistrate, imposes a sentence of corporal punishment in addition to a sentence of imprisonment, no such sentence of corporal punishment shall be carried into effect until confirmed by the High Court. (2) In determining the extent of the court’s jurisdiction under section 167 to pass a sentence of imprisonment, the court shall be deemed to have jurisdiction to pass the full sentence of imprisonment mentioned in the said section in addition to any term of imprisonment which may be awarded in default of payment of a fine. (3) Where a court is passing sentence under subsection (1), it may prohibit the grant of parole to a prisoner and shall indicate the reasons for such prohibition. [ s. 167] - 171 Verify source ↗
(1) Where a person is, at one trial by the High Court,
AI-assisted research summary: Courts may sentence a person convicted of multiple offences at one trial to the separate punishments for those offences, subject to limits on consecutive imprisonment and fines.
171.–(1) Where a person is, at one trial by the High Court, convicted of two or more offences, the High Court may sentence him for those offences to the several punishments prescribed for them; and when consisting of imprisonment, such punishments shall commence the one after the expiration of the other in such order as the High Court may direct unless the High Court directs that those punishments shall run concurrently. (2) Where a person is convicted at one trial of two or more offences by a subordinate court, the court may, subject to the provisions of subsection (3), sentence him for those offences to the several punishments prescribed for them and which the court is competent to impose; and those punishments when consisting of imprisonment, shall commence the one after 138 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] the expiration of the other in such order as the court may direct, unless the court directs that the punishments shall run concurrently. (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2), a subordinate court shall not, in any case in which it has convicted a person at one trial of two or more offences, be competent- (a) where the court imposes substantive sentences of imprisonment only, to impose consecutive sentences of imprisonment which exceed in the aggregate- (i) in any case in which any of the offences of which the offender has been convicted is an offence in respect of which a subordinate court may lawfully pass a sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding five years, a term of imprisonment for ten years; or in any other case, a term of imprisonment for eight years; (ii) (b) where the court imposes sentences of fines only, to impose sentences of fines which exceed in the aggregate- (i) in any case in which any of the offences of which the offender is convicted is an offence in respect of which a subordinate court may lawfully impose a fine exceeding ten thousand shillings, a sum equal to thrice the amount of which the subordinate court may so lawfully impose; in any other case, a sum of thirty thousand shillings: Provided that, the aggregate of consecutive sentences of imprisonment in default of payment of fines shall not exceed a term of imprisonment of eight years; (ii) (c) where the court passes a combination of a substantive sentence or sentences of imprisonment and a fine or fines, to impose sentences which exceed- (i) an aggregate of consecutive sentences of imprisonment whether substantive sentences of 139 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] imprisonment or sentences of imprisonment in default of payment of fine, of ten years; and (ii) a total of fines of thirty thousand shillings or where any of the offences of which the offender is convicted is an offence in respect of which a subordinate court may lawfully impose a fine exceeding ten thousand shillings, a sum equal to twice the amount of fine which the subordinate court may so lawfully impose. (4) For the purpose of appeal or confirmation, the aggregate imposed under this section in cases of convictions for two or more offences at one trial shall be deemed to be a single sentence. (5) Notwithstanding subsection (4), where two or more sentences of imprisonment are directed to run concurrently, only the longer term of those sentences of imprisonment shall be taken into account for computing the aggregate of sentences of imprisonment for the purposes of this section. (6)4 Where a court convicts a person in a case which involves sexual offence under the Sexual Offences Special Provisions Act, the court shall pass a sentence as prescribed in that Act and in accordance with the Minimum Sentences Act. [ s. 168] - 172 Verify source ↗
(1) Where, in any proceedings in a court in respect of
AI-assisted research summary: A court must generally exclude evidence obtained illegally or in breach of legal requirements, unless admitting it would specifically and substantially serve the public interest without unduly harming anyone’s rights or freedom.
172.–(1) Where, in any proceedings in a court in respect of an offence, objection is taken to the admission of evidence on the ground that the evidence was obtained in contravention of, or in consequence of a contravention of, or of a failure to comply with a provision of this Act or any other law, in relation to a person, the court shall, in its absolute discretion, not admit the evidence unless it is, on the balance of probabilities, satisfied that the admission of the evidence would specifically and substantially benefit the public interest without unduly prejudicing the rights and freedom of any person. 4 Note: Cap. 101 is an amending Act whose provisions relating to sexual offences special provisions are transferred to the Penal Code and other respective Acts. 140 Cap. 101 Cap. 90 Exclusion of evidence illegally obtained Act No. 7 of 2018 s. 11 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (2) The matters that a court may have regard to in deciding whether, in proceedings in respect of any offence, it is satisfied as required by subsection (1) include- (a) the seriousness of the offence in the course of the investigation of which the provision was contravened, or was not complied with, the urgency and difficulty of detecting the offender and the urgency or the need to preserve evidence of the fact; (b) the nature and seriousness of the contravention or failure; (c) the extent to which the evidence that was obtained in contravention of in consequence of the contravention of or in consequence of the failure to comply with the provision of any law, might have been lawfully obtained; and (d) all the circumstances of the offence, including the circumstances in which the evidence was obtained. (3) The burden of satisfying the court that evidence obtained in contravention of, in consequence of the contravention of, or in consequence of the failure to comply with a provision of this Act should be admitted in proceedings lies on the party who seeks to have the evidence admitted. (4) The court shall, prior to exclusion of any evidence in accordance with subsection (1), be satisfied that the failure or breach was significant and substantial and that its exclusion is necessary for the fairness of the proceedings. (5) Where the court excludes evidence on the basis of this provision it shall explain the reasons for such decision. (6) This section is in addition to, and not in derogation of, any other law or rule under which a court may refuse to admit evidence in proceedings. [ s. 169] 141 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Sentences which subordinate court may pass Acts Nos. 4 of 1998 s. 23; 9 of 2002 Sch.; 25 of 2002 Sch.; Cap. 90 Cap. 17 Cap. 90 Cap. 90 (b) Subordinate Courts - 173 Verify source ↗
(1) A subordinate court may, in the cases in which such
AI-assisted research summary: This section lets a subordinate court impose certain sentences, sets limits for some sentences, and requires High Court confirmation for some larger sentences before they can be carried out.
173.–(1) A subordinate court may, in the cases in which such sentences are authorised by law, pass any of the following sentences- (a) imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; save that where a court convicts a person of an offence specified in any of the Schedules to the Minimum Sentences Act which it has jurisdiction to hear, it shall have the jurisdiction to pass the minimum sentence of imprisonment; (b) a fine not exceeding twenty million shillings; (c) subject to the provisions of the Corporal Punishment Act, corporal punishment; (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1)- (a) a sentence of imprisonment- (i) for a scheduled offence, as defined in subsection (5), which exceeds the minimum term of imprisonment prescribed in respect of it by the Minimum Sentences Act; (ii) for any other offence, which exceeds twelve months; (b) a sentence of corporal punishment which exceeds twelve strokes; (c) a sentence of a fine or for the payment of money, other than payment of compensation under the Minimum Sentences Act, which exceeds six thousand shillings, shall not be carried into effect, executed or levied until the record of the case, or a certified copy of it, has been transmitted to the High Court and the sentence or order has been confirmed by a Judge: Provided that, this section shall not apply in respect of any sentence passed by a Senior Resident Magistrate of any grade or rank. (3) The provisions of subsection (1) shall be without prejudice to the provisions of any written law authorising a subordinate court to impose in relation to any offence specified 142 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] in such written law, a sentence in excess of the sentences provided for in that subsection. (4) The provisions of subsection (2) shall apply in relation to a sentence of imprisonment whether such sentence is a substantive sentence of imprisonment in default of a payment of a fine or a combination of two sentences. (5) In this section “scheduled offence” shall have the meaning Cap. 90 assigned to that expression by the Minimum Sentences Act. (6) The police officer in charge of a police station may, where he is satisfied that any person has committed an offence of which the penalty does not exceed two hundred thousand shillings by order under his hand compound such offence by requiring such person to make payment of a sum of money: Provided that- (a) such sum of money shall be half the maximum fine provided for such offence; (b) the power conferred by this subsection shall only be exercised where the person admits in writing that he has committed the offence; (c) the police officer shall issue to the person from whom he received such sum of money a receipt thereof. [ s. 170] - 174 Verify source ↗
(1) Where the court takes cognisance of a compoundable
AI-assisted research summary: The court may appoint an officer to help compound a compoundable offence, but it cannot refer the case for compounding without the parties’ consent and without giving the accused an opportunity to compound.
174.–(1) Where the court takes cognisance of a compoundable offence specified in subsection (6) of section 173 or under any other law in force, the court may appoint a probation officer or such other officer as may be agreed upon by the parties to facilitate compounding of the offence: Provided that, the court shall not refer a case for compounding of an offence- (a) without the consent of the parties; or (b) unless it is satisfied that the accused was afforded an opportunity of compounding the offence for which the offence relates. (2) The officer appointed under subsection (1) shall endeavor to facilitate compounding of the offence within thirty days. 143 Compounding of offences Act No. 2 of 2020 s. 94 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (3) Where the offence is compounded, the officer appointed under subsection (1) shall submit a report in this respect to the court duly witnessed and signed by him and by the persons authorised to compound the offence under any law in force, and the court shall pass an order and discharge the accused. (4) Where the efforts of the officer appointed under subsection (1) for compounding the offence fail, the court shall proceed with the trial from the stage it was referred to the said officer. (5) Where the parties have themselves resorted to procedures for compounding of the offence and the offence is compounded in terms of subsection (6) of section 173 or any other law in force, they may make application to the court in terms thereof, and if the court is satisfied that the parties have voluntarily compounded the offence and the document recording their agreement has been duly filed in court, the court shall pass an order accordingly and discharge the accused person. (6) Subsection (6) of section 173 or any other law under which the offence is compoundable shall mutatis mutandis apply to the proceedings under this section. [ s. 170A] - 175 Verify source ↗
(1) Where a compounding order has been issued under
AI-assisted research summary: If a fine under a compounding order is not paid on time, the authorised officer must either levy it against the accused person’s property or agree an alternative sanction such as supervised community work.
175.–(1) Where a compounding order has been issued under this Act or any other law in force for the payment of a fine and the accused person fails in wholly or in part to make such payment within the prescribed time, the officer authorised to compound the offence shall either- (a) issue a warrant for the levy of the amount on the immovable and movable property of the accused person; or (b) agree with the accused person on alternative sanction, including the performance of supervised community work in lieu of payment of the prescribed fine. (2) Where the options stated in subsection (1) fail, the accused person shall be taken to court to be dealt with in 144 Enforcement of compounding order Act No. 2 of 2020 s. 94 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Cap. 16 accordance with section 29(d) of the Penal Code, imprisonment arising from default to pay a fine. [ s. 170B] Regulations Act No. 2 of 2020 s. 94 When subordinate court may commit to High Court for sentence - 176 Verify source ↗
The Minister may make Regulations for the better carrying
AI-assisted research summary: The Minister may make regulations to better carry out sections 173, 174, and 175.
176. The Minister may make Regulations for the better carrying out of the provisions of sections 173, 174 and 175. [ s. 170C] - 177 Verify source ↗
(1) Where under the provisions of this Act a subordinate
AI-assisted research summary: A subordinate court may send an adult offender to the High Court for sentencing if it thinks a greater punishment is needed than it can impose.
177.–(1) Where under the provisions of this Act a subordinate court presided over by a district magistrate convicts any adult of an offence if, on obtaining information as to the character and antecedents of such adult or as to the circumstances of the offence, the court is of the opinion that they are such that greater punishment should be inflicted for the offence than the court has power to inflict, the court may, instead of dealing with him in any other manner, commit the offender in custody to the High Court for sentence in accordance with the following provisions of this section. (2) Where an offender is committed to the High Court for sentence under the provision of this section, the High Court shall inquire into the circumstances of the case and shall deal with the offender in any manner in which he could have been dealt with by the High Court if he had been convicted by the High Court of the offence in question. (3)Where the High Court imposes a sentence on the offender, the provisions of this Act with regard to an appeal against conviction only shall apply as for any other case tried by a subordinate court. (4) The High Court may in its discretion postpone its inquiry under the provisions of subsection (2) of this section until the expiration of the time for filing notice of appeal against conviction, and if such notice has been filed before the High Court commences such inquiry until final determination of such appeal or subsequent appeals or for such lesser period as the court may deem fit. 145 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (5) Where a person, who has been committed in custody to the High Court for sentence in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1), files a notice of appeal against his conviction, the High Court or the subordinate court which convicted him may, for reasons to be recorded by it in writing, grant bail with or without sureties pending the hearing of the appeal. (6) The provisions of this section shall be so construed as to enable the High Court in its consideration of any case thereunder to exercise its power of revision under section 395 of this Act in the same manner as if the record of the proceedings had under that section been reported to the High Court for orders. [ s. 171] - 178 Verify source ↗
(1) Whenever a subordinate court passes a sentence
AI-assisted research summary: A court may release a sentenced person on bail while a sentence waits for confirmation.
178.–(1) Whenever a subordinate court passes a sentence which requires confirmation, the court imposing the sentence may, in its discretion release the person sentenced on bail pending confirmation or such order as the confirming court may make. (2) Where- (a) a person is committed in custody for sentence by the High Court; (b) a person is remanded in custody awaiting the confirmation of his sentence by a higher court; or (c) a person has been in remand custody for a period awaiting his trial, his sentence whether it is under the Minimum Sentences Act, or any other law, shall start to run when such sentence is imposed confirmed, and such sentence shall take into account the period the person spent in remand. (4) Where the person sentenced is, at the time sentence is passed, serving a sentence of imprisonment for another offence the term of imprisonment to which he is sentenced shall, unless the court otherwise orders, run from the date of the expiry of the sentence for such other offence, subject to subsection (5). 146 Release on bail pending confirmation and powers of confirming court Cap. 90 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Cap. 90 Extended jurisdiction Acts Nos. 32 of 1994 Sch.; 17 of 1996 Sch. (5) The High Court may exercise the same powers in confirmation as are conferred upon it in revision by Part X of this Act. (6) The confirming court may, in its discretion where no order has been made under subsection (1) of this section by the convicting court, release the person sentenced on bail pending an order in revision made by the High Court in exercise of its powers under section 395 of this Act. (7) Where a person is convicted of an offence specified in any of the Schedules to the Minimum Sentences Act, the provisions of this section shall have effect subject to provisions of section 8 of that Act. [ s. 172] (c) Extended Jurisdiction of Subordinate Courts - 179 Verify source ↗
(1) The Minister may, after consultation with the Chief
AI-assisted research summary: The Minister may, after consultation, give resident magistrates power to try certain offences or specified cases, and the High Court keeps its transfer power.
179.–(1) The Minister may, after consultation with the Chief Justice and the Attorney General, by order published in the Gazette- (a) vest any resident magistrate with power to try any category of offences which, but for the provisions of this section, would ordinarily be tried by the High Court and may specify the area within which he may exercise such extended powers; or (b) vest any such magistrate with power to try any, specified case or cases of such offences and such magistrate shall, by virtue of the order, have the power, in respect of the offences specified in the order to impose any sentence which could lawfully be imposed by the High Court. (2) Nothing in this section shall affect the power of the High Court to order the transfer of cases. (3) For the purposes of any appeal from or revision of his decision in the exercise of such jurisdiction, such resident magistrate shall be deemed to be a judge of the High Court, and the court presided over by him while exercising such jurisdiction shall be deemed to be the High Court. [ s. 173] 147 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Repealed - 180 Verify source ↗
[Repealed by Act No. 1 of 2022 s. 27.]
AI-assisted research summary: This section was repealed.
180. [Repealed by Act No. 1 of 2022 s. 27.] Repealed - 181 Verify source ↗
[Repealed by Act No. 32 of 1994 Sch.]
AI-assisted research summary: This section is repealed; the remaining text refers to a record and report to be sent to the President.
181. [Repealed by Act No. 32 of 1994 Sch.] [ s. 174] [ s. 175] Record and report to be sent to President - 182 Verify source ↗
In every case where a sentence of death is confirmed by
AI-assisted research summary: If the High Court confirms a death sentence, the judge must send the case record (or a certified copy) and a signed written report to the President as soon as possible.
182. In every case where a sentence of death is confirmed by the High Court, the judge confirming the sentence shall, as soon as may be, transmit the record of the case or a certified true copy of it to the President together with a report in writing signed by him containing any recommendation or observations which he may think fit to make and forwarding with it any recommendation or observations made by the Court which sentenced the accused; and after that the matter shall be dealt with under section 344 of this Act. [ s. 176] B. - Trials Generally (a) Place of Inquiry or Trial General authority of courts of Tanzania - 183 Verify source ↗
Every court has authority to cause to be brought before
AI-assisted research summary: Every court may bring before it a person within its local jurisdiction who is charged with certain offences, and may deal with that accused person according to its jurisdiction.
183. Every court has authority to cause to be brought before it any person who is within the local limits of its jurisdiction and is charged with an offence committed within the United Republic or which according to law may be dealt with as if it had been committed within the United Republic and to deal with the accused person according to its jurisdiction. [ s. 177] Power of High Court to inquire into and try offences - 184 Verify source ↗
The High Court may inquire into and try any offence
AI-assisted research summary: The High Court may hear and try offences within its jurisdiction at places where it can hold sittings.
184. The High Court may inquire into and try any offence subject to its jurisdiction in any place where it has power to hold sittings; and, except as provided under section 94, no criminal case shall be brought under cognisance of the High Court unless it has been previously investigated by a subordinate court and the accused person has been committed for trial before the High Court. [ s. 178] 148 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Place and date of sessions of High Court - 185 Verify source ↗
(1) For the exercise of its original criminal jurisdiction,
AI-assisted research summary: The High Court must hold sittings at places and on days directed by the Chief Justice, and the Registrar of the High Court should ordinarily give advance notice of all sittings.
185.–(1) For the exercise of its original criminal jurisdiction, the High Court shall hold sittings at such places and on such days as the Chief Justice may direct. (2) The Registrar of the High Court shall ordinarily give notice beforehand of all sittings. [ s. 179] Ordinary place of inquiry and trial - 186 Verify source ↗
Subject to the provisions of section 184 and to the powers
AI-assisted research summary: Courts must try offences in the local area where the offence happened, or where the accused was apprehended, in custody, or appeared after a lawful summons, subject to section 184 and transfer powers in sections 195 to 197.
186. Subject to the provisions of section 184 and to the powers of transfer conferred by sections 195, 196 and 197, every offence shall be inquired into and tried, as the case may be, by a court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction it was committed or within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the accused person was apprehended, or is in custody on a charge for the offence, or has appeared in answer to a summons lawfully issued charging him with the offence. [ s. 180] Trial at place where act done or where consequence of offence ensued - 187 Verify source ↗
Where a person is accused of the commission of any
AI-assisted research summary: A court may hear or try an offence in the place where the relevant act was done or its consequence happened.
187. Where a person is accused of the commission of any offence by reason of anything which has been done or of any consequence which has ensued, the offence may be inquired into or tried, as the case may be, by a court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction any such thing has been done or any such consequence has ensued. [ s. 181] Trial where offence is connected with another offence - 188 Verify source ↗
Where an act is an offence by reason of its relation to any
AI-assisted research summary: A court may hear or try a charge in this situation if either related act was done within its local jurisdiction.
188. Where an act is an offence by reason of its relation to any other act which is also an offence or which would be an offence if the doer were capable of committing an offence, a charge of the mentioned offence may be inquired into or tried by a court within the local limits of whose jurisdiction either act was done. [ s. 182] Trial where place of offence is uncertain - 189 Verify source ↗
When it is uncertain in which of several local areas an
AI-assisted research summary: If an offence happened in more than one local area, or it is unclear where it happened, a court may hear it if it has jurisdiction over any of those areas.
189. When it is uncertain in which of several local areas an offence was committed or when an offence is committed partly in one local area and partly in another or when it consists of several acts done in different local areas, it may be inquired 149 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Offence committed on journey High Court may decide appropriate court in cases of doubt Court to be open court Act No. 4 of 1998 s. 24 into or tried by a court having jurisdiction over any of such local areas. [ s. 183] - 190 Verify source ↗
An offence committed whilst the offender is in the course
AI-assisted research summary: A court may hear or try an offence committed during a journey or voyage if the relevant person, person affected, or thing involved passed through its local jurisdiction.
190. An offence committed whilst the offender is in the course of performing a journey or voyage may be inquired into or tried by a court through or into the local limits of whose jurisdiction the offender or the person against whom or the thing in respect of which the offence was committed passed in the course of that journey or voyage. [ s. 184] - 191 Verify source ↗
Whenever a doubt arises as to the court by which an
AI-assisted research summary: If there is doubt about which court should handle an offence, a court may report the issue to the High Court, which decides the proper court.
191. Whenever a doubt arises as to the court by which an offence should be inquired into or tried any court entertaining the doubt may, in its discretion, report the circumstances to the High Court and the High Court shall decide by which court the offence shall be inquired into or tried; and a decision of the High Court shall be final and conclusive except that it shall be open to an accused person to show that no court in the United Republic has jurisdiction in the case. [ s. 185] - 192 Verify source ↗
(1) The place in which any court is held for the purpose
AI-assisted research summary: Courts hearing offences are generally open to the public, but judges or magistrates may exclude access in specified circumstances. Courts may also sit on Sundays or public holidays, and sexual-offence evidence must be heard in camera with publication restricted.
192.–(1) The place in which any court is held for the purpose of inquiring into or trying any offence shall unless the contrary is expressly provided in any written law, be deemed an open court to which the public generally may have access so far as the same can conveniently contain them, save that the presiding judge or magistrate may, if he considers it necessary or expedient- (a) in interlocutory proceedings; or (b) in circumstances where publicity would be prejudicial to the interest of- (i) justice, defence, public safety, public order or public morality; (ii) the welfare of persons under the age of eighteen years or the protection of private lives of persons concerned in the proceedings, 150 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] order at any stage of the inquiry into or trial of any particular case that persons generally or any particular person other than the parties thereto or their legal representative shall not have access to or be or remain in the room or building used by the court. (2) Any court may, for the purpose of inquiring into or trying any offence, sit on Sunday or on a public holiday and no finding, sentence or order passed by a court of competent jurisdiction shall be reversed or altered only by reason of the fact that the same was made or passed on a Sunday or public holiday; but a court shall not sit on Sunday or on a public holiday unless in the opinion of the court the omission to do so would cause an amount of delay, expense or inconvenience which in the circumstances of the case would be unreasonable. (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, the evidence of all persons in all trials involving sexual offences shall be received by the court in camera, and the evidence and witnesses involved in these proceedings shall not be published by or in any newspaper or other media, but this subsection shall not prohibit the printing or publishing of any such matter in a bona fide series of law reports or in a newspaper or periodical of a technical character bona fide intended for circulation among members of the legal or medical professions. [ s. 186] - 193 Verify source ↗
A child shall not be permitted to be present in court during
AI-assisted research summary: A child generally must not be in court during another person's criminal trial or related preliminary proceedings, unless needed as a witness or for justice.
193. A child shall not be permitted to be present in court during the trial of any other person charged with an offence or during any proceedings preliminary thereto except during such time as his presence is required as a witness or otherwise for the purposes of justice; and any child present in court when under this section he is not permitted to be present shall be ordered to be removed; but this section shall not apply to messengers, law officers, clerks and other persons required to attend to a court for the purposes connected with their employment. [ s. 187] 151 Exclusion of children from attending court proceedings ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Orders of court on ex-parte application by Director of Public Prosecutions Act No. 21 of 2009 s. 194 7 of 2018 s. 12 Cap. 6 Transfer of case where offence committed outside jurisdiction - 194 Verify source ↗
(1) Notwithstanding any other written law, before filing
AI-assisted research summary: The court may, on an ex parte application by the Director of Public Prosecutions, order witness-protection measures such as video testimony, limiting disclosure of a witness’s identity or whereabouts, or other suitable measures. The Chief Justice may also make rules for this section.
194.–(1) Notwithstanding any other written law, before filing a charge or information, or at any stage of the proceedings under this Act, the court may, upon an ex-parte application by the Director of Public Prosecutions, order- (a) a witness testimony to be given through video conferencing in accordance with the provision of the Evidence Act; (b) non-disclosure or limitation as to the identity and whereabouts of a witness, taking into account the security of a witness; (c) non-disclosure of statements or documents likely to lead to the identification of a witness; or (d) any other protection measure as the court may consider appropriate. (2) Where the court orders for protection measures under paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (1), relevant witness statements or documents shall not be disclosed to the accused during committal or trial. (3) The Chief Justice may make rules for better carrying out the provisions of this section. [ s. 188] (b) Transfer of Cases - 195 Verify source ↗
(1) Where upon the hearing of any complaint it appears
AI-assisted research summary: A court may transfer a complaint to the court with jurisdiction where the complaint arose, and may have the accused taken there by police if custody is to continue.
195.–(1) Where upon the hearing of any complaint it appears that the cause of complaint arose out of the limits of the jurisdiction of the court before which the complaint has been brought, the court may in its discretion direct the case to be transferred to the court having jurisdiction where the cause of complaint arose. (2) Where the accused is in custody, and the court directing the transfer thinks it expedient that such custody should be continued or if he is not in custody, that he should be placed in such custody, the court shall direct the offender to be taken by a police officer before the court having jurisdiction where the cause of complaint arose and shall give a warrant for that 152 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] purpose to the officer, and shall deliver to him the complaint and recognisances, if any, taken by the court, to be delivered to the court before whom the accused is to be taken, and the complaint and recognisances, shall be treated to all intents and purposes as if they had been taken by the last-mentioned court. (3) Where the accused person is not continued or placed in custody as aforesaid, the court shall inform him that it has directed the transfer of the case and thereupon the provisions of subsection (2) respecting the transmission and validity of the documents in the case shall apply. [ s. 189] - 196 Verify source ↗
A district magistrate may
AI-assisted research summary: A district magistrate may transfer a case he has already taken cognisance of to a subordinate court, including in some cases outside his local jurisdiction.
196. A district magistrate may- (a) transfer any case of which he has taken cognisance for inquiry or trial to any subordinate court empowered to enquire into or try such case within the local limits of such magistrate’s jurisdiction; and (b) where the general convenience of the parties or witnesses require it, transfer any case of which he has taken cognisance for inquiry or trial to any subordinate court beyond the limits of his jurisdiction which has power to inquire into or try that case. [ s. 190] Transfer of cases between magistrates Power of High Court to change venue - 197 Verify source ↗
(1) Whenever it is made to appear to the High Court
AI-assisted research summary: The High Court may transfer or reassign criminal matters when specified reasons are shown, and an accused applicant must give written notice to the Director of Public Prosecutions and support the application by affidavit unless the applicant is the Director of Public Prosecutions.
197.–(1) Whenever it is made to appear to the High Court- (a) that a fair and impartial inquiry or trial cannot be had in any court subordinate thereto; (b) that some question of law of unusual difficulty is likely to arise; (c) that a view of the place in or near which an offence has been committed may be required for the satisfactory inquiry into or trial of the offence; (d) that an order under this section will tend to the general convenience of the parties or witnesses; or 153 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (e) that such an order is expedient for the ends of justice or is required by any provision of this Act, it may order- (i) that any offence be inquired into or tried by any court not empowered under sections 167 to 196 but in other respects competent to inquire into or try such offence; (ii) that any particular criminal case or class of cases be transferred from court subordinate to its authority to any other court of equal or superior jurisdiction; (iii) that an accused person be committed for trial to itself. (2) The High Court may either act on the report of the lower court or on the application of a party interested or on its own initiative. (3) An application for the exercise of the power conferred by this section shall be made by motion which shall, except where the applicant is the Director of Public Prosecutions, be supported by an affidavit. (4) An accused making an application shall give to the Director of Public Prosecutions notice in writing of the application, together with a copy of the grounds on which it is made and an order shall not be made on the merits of the applicant unless at least twenty four hours have elapsed between the giving of such notice and the hearing of the application. (5) Where an accused makes an application the High Court may direct him to execute a bond, with or without sureties, conditioned that he will, if convicted, pay the costs of the prosecutor. [ s. 191] 154 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Preliminary hearing to determine matters not in dispute Acts Nos. 19 of 1992 Sch.; 3 of 2011 s. 17 (c) Accelerated Trial and Disposal of Cases - 198 Verify source ↗
(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 246 and
AI-assisted research summary: If an accused pleads not guilty, the court must hold a preliminary hearing and deal with agreed matters before trial.
198.–(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 246 and 301, if an accused person pleads not guilty the court shall as soon as is convenient, hold a preliminary hearing in open court in the presence of the accused and his advocate, if he is represented by an advocate, and the public prosecutor to consider such matters as are not in dispute between the parties and which will promote a fair and expeditious trial. (2) In ascertaining such matters that are not in dispute the court shall explain to an accused who is not represented by an advocate about the nature and purpose of the preliminary hearing and may put questions to the parties as it thinks fit; and the answers to the questions may be given without oath or affirmation. (3) At the conclusion of a preliminary hearing held under this section, the court shall prepare a memorandum of the matters agreed and the memorandum shall be read over and explained to the accused in a language that he understands, signed by the accused and his advocate, if any, and by the public prosecutor, and then filed. (4) Any fact or document admitted or agreed, whether such fact or document is mentioned in the summary of evidence or not, in a memorandum filed under this section shall be deemed to have been duly proved; save that if, during the course of the trial, the court is of the opinion that the interests of justice so demand, the court may direct that any fact or document admitted or agreed in a memorandum filed under this section be formally proved. (5) Wherever possible, the accused person shall be tried immediately after the preliminary hearing and if the case is to be adjourned due to the absence of witnesses or any other cause, nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring the same judge or magistrate who held the preliminary hearing under this section to preside at the trial. (6) The Minister may, after consultation with the Chief Justice, by order published in the Gazette, make rules for the 155 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Person charged with warrant offence may plead guilty without court appearance better carrying out of the purposes of this section and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the rules may provide for- (a) delaying the summoning of witnesses until it is ascertained whether they will be required to give evidence on the trial or not; (b) the giving of notice to witnesses warning them that they may be required to attend court to give evidence at the trial. [ s. 192] - 199 Verify source ↗
(1) A person formally charged with a warrant offence
AI-assisted research summary: An accused person charged with a qualifying warrant offence may plead guilty in writing or through an advocate, and the magistrate must usually excuse personal attendance.
199.–(1) A person formally charged with a warrant offence which is punishable only by a fine or by imprisonment not exceeding six months or by a combination of such sentences may, in writing or through an advocate, plead guilty to the charge whether that person is summoned or not and the magistrate shall dispense with the personal attendance of the accused unless his personal attendance is required for any other reason in which case he may direct the personal attendance of the accused. (2) Where a magistrate imposes a fine on an accused person whose personal attendance has been dispensed with under this section, and such fine is not paid within the time prescribed for its payment, the magistrate may forthwith issue a summons calling upon the accused person to show cause why he should not be committed to prison for such term as the magistrate may then prescribe; but if the accused person does not attend upon the return of such summons, the magistrate may forthwith issue a warrant and commit him to prison for such terms as the magistrate may determine. (3) Where, in any case in which under this section the attendance of an accused person is dispensed with, previous convictions are alleged against him and are not admitted in writing or through such person’s advocate, the magistrate may adjourn the proceedings and direct the personal attendance of the accused and, if necessary, enforce his attendance in the manner provided under this Act. 156 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Procedure where accused desires to plead guilty to non-warrant offence or intends to rely on defence of alibi (4) Whenever the attendance of an accused person has been dispensed with and his attendance is subsequently required, the cost of any adjournment for the purpose shall be borne in any event by the accused. [ s. 193] - 200 Verify source ↗
(1) Where an accused person charged with a non-warrant
AI-assisted research summary: An accused person who wants to plead guilty, or rely on an alibi, must give notice within the times set out here; the magistrate may then serve a formal charge, and the court may disregard an alibi not properly notified.
200.–(1) Where an accused person charged with a non-warrant offence, other than an offence punishable with death or life imprisonment, intends to plead guilty to the charge and desires to have his case disposed of at once, he may give a written notice to that effect to the magistrate before whom the case is to be heard, and it shall be lawful for the magistrate to serve the person with a formal charge and a notice to appear, not less than four clear days, before the magistrate for the purpose of pleading to the charge and final disposition of the case. (2) Where the accused in pursuance of a notice served upon him under subsection (1) appears and pleads guilty to the charge, the magistrate shall deal with the case in like manner as a case where the accused pleads guilty under section 246 save that if the case is such as can be tried only in the High Court or is of such an aggravated nature that the magistrate holds that the question of punishment shall be disposed of by that court, the magistrate shall remit the accused to that court for sentence, and such remittal shall be a sufficient warrant to bring the accused, without any further notice, before the High Court for sentence; and the original warrant of commitment for such period until he is liberated in due course of law shall remain in force until he is brought before the High Court for sentencing. (3) Where the accused when brought before the magistrate to plead does not plead guilty to the charge or pleads guilty only to a part of the charge, the magistrate shall not accept such restricted plea, and the plea shall be deserted pro loco et tempore, and thereafter the procedure against the accused shall be continued according to the other provisions of this Act. (4) Where an accused person intends to rely upon an alibi in his defence, he shall give to the court and the prosecution 157 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Plea bargaining Act No. 11 of 2019 s. 16 notice of his intention to rely on such defence before the hearing of the case. (5) Where an accused person does not give notice of his intention to rely on the defence of alibi before the hearing of the case, he shall furnish the prosecution with the particulars of the alibi at any time before the case for the prosecution is closed. (6) Where the accused raises a defence of alibi without having first furnished the prosecution pursuant to this section, the court may, in its discretion, accord no weight of any kind to the defence. [ s. 194] - 201 Verify source ↗
(1) A public prosecutor, after consultation with the
AI-assisted research summary: A public prosecutor may enter plea bargaining before judgment after consulting the victim or investigator when circumstances allow. The accused, the accused’s advocate, or a public prosecutor may start plea bargaining and notify the court. The court must not take part in plea negotiations, and in private prosecutions a plea agreement needs the written consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
201.–(1) A public prosecutor, after consultation with the victim or investigator where the circumstances so permit, may at any time before the judgment, enter a plea bargaining arrangement with the accused and his advocate if represented or, if not represented, a relative, friend or any other person legally competent to represent the accused. (2) The accused or his advocate or a public prosecutor may initiate a plea bargaining and notify the court of their intention to negotiate a plea agreement. (3) The court shall not participate in plea negotiations between a public prosecutor and the accused. (4) Where prosecution is undertaken privately, no plea agreement shall be concluded without the written consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions. [ s. 194A] Consequence of plea bargaining Act No. 11 of 2019 s. 16 - 202 Verify source ↗
Where, consequent to a plea bargaining arrangement, a
AI-assisted research summary: If a plea agreement is made under a plea bargaining arrangement, the prosecutor and accused may take certain negotiated steps, including reduced charges, plea changes, or compensation/restitution/forfeiture.
202. Where, consequent to a plea bargaining arrangement, a plea agreement is entered into between a public prosecutor and an accused person- (a) the public prosecutor may charge the accused with a lesser offence, withdraw other counts or take any other measure as appropriate depending on the circumstances of the case; (b) the accused may enter a plea of guilty to the offence charged or to a lesser offence or to a particular count or 158 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] counts in a charge with multiple counts in exchange for withdrawal of other counts; or (c) the accused may be ordered to pay compensation or make restitution or be subjected to forfeiture of the proceeds and instrumentalities that were used to commit the crime in question. [ s. 194B] Requirements of plea agreement Act No. 11 of 2019 s. 16 - 203 Verify source ↗
(1) A plea agreement shall be in writing witnessed by
AI-assisted research summary: A plea agreement must be in writing, fully set out the terms and facts, be explained to the accused, be accepted and signed by the required people, and cannot be entered without prior written consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions or an authorised officer.
203.–(1) A plea agreement shall be in writing witnessed by advocate of the accused or, if not represented, a relative, friend or any other person legally competent to represent the accused, and shall- (a) state fully the terms of the agreement, the substantial facts of the matter and all other relevant facts of the case and any admissions made by the accused person; (b) be read and explained to the accused person in a language that he understands; (c) accepted by the accused person; and (d) be signed by the prosecutor, the accused person and his advocate, if represented or, if not represented, a relative, friend or any other person legally competent to represent the accused. (2) Where an accused person has negotiated with a prosecutor through an interpreter, the interpreter shall certify that he is proficient in that language and that he interpreted accurately during the negotiations and in respect of the contents of the agreement. (3) Without prejudice to the requirements set out under subsections (1) and (2), a plea agreement shall not be entered between a prosecutor and accused, without prior written consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions or any other officer authorised by him in writing. [ s. 194C] 159 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Registration of plea agreement Acts Nos. 11 of 2019 s. 16; 1 of 2022 s. 28 Procedure for registration of plea agreement Act No. 11 of 2019 s. 16 - 204 Verify source ↗
(1) Any plea agreement entered into in accordance with
AI-assisted research summary: The court must register qualifying plea agreements, check they were voluntary and that the accused was competent, and then convict and sentence in line with the agreement if it is accepted.
204.–(1) Any plea agreement entered into in accordance with the provisions of sections 201 and 202 shall be registered by the court. (2) The court shall, before it registers any such agreement, satisfy itself that the agreement was voluntarily obtained and the accused was competent to enter into such agreement. (3) The court may pronounce a decision based on plea agreement or make such other orders as it deems necessary including an order to reject the plea agreement for sufficient reasons, except that, such rejection shall not operate as a bar to any subsequent negotiations preferred by the parties. (4) Where the court accepts a plea agreement- (a) the agreement shall become binding upon the prosecution side and the accused; and (b) the agreement shall become part of the record of the court. (5) Where a plea agreement entered into in accordance with sections 201 and 202 is accepted by the court, the court shall proceed to convict an accused person accordingly. (6) Where conviction is entered in accordance with subsection (5), the court shall proceed to sentence the accused person in accordance with the plea agreement notwithstanding the sentence specified by the provisions of the applicable law. [ s. 194D] - 205 Verify source ↗
Before the court records a plea
AI-assisted research summary: Before a plea is recorded, the accused must be put under oath and the court must speak to the accused in a language they understand and explain their rights.
205. Before the court records a plea- (a) the accused shall be placed under oath; and (b) the court shall address the accused person in court in a language he understands and shall inform him of his rights and that- (i) by accepting a plea agreement, he is waiving his right to a full trial; (ii) by entering into a plea agreement, he is waiving the right to appeal except as to the extent or legality of sentence; and (iii) the prosecution has the right, in the case of prosecution for perjury or false statement, to 160 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Offences which plea agreements shall not apply Acts Nos. 11 of 2019 s. 16; 1 of 2022 s. 29 use any statement that he gives in the agreement against him. [ s. 194E] - 206 Verify source ↗
Plea agreements shall not be entered into in any of the
AI-assisted research summary: Plea agreements must not be entered into for the listed offences and offence categories.
206. Plea agreements shall not be entered into in any of the following offences- (a) sexual offences whose punishment exceeds five years or involving victims under eighteen years; (b) treason and treasonable offences; (c) possession or trafficking in narcotic drugs whose market value is above one hundred million shillings, and for the purpose of narcotic drugs which have not been valuated- (i) narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances weighing more than one kilogram; (ii) precursor chemical and substance with drugs related weighing more than one hundred litres in liquid form or more than one hundred kilograms in solid form; and (iii) cannabis or khat weighing not more than one hundred kilograms. (d) terrorism; (e) possession of Government trophy whose value is above twenty million shillings without the consent, in writing, of the Director of Public Prosecutions; and (f) any other offence as the Minister may, upon consultation with other relevant authority and by order published in the Gazette, prescribe. [ s. 194F] Application to set aside conviction and sentence relating to plea bargaining Act No. 11 of 2019 s. 16 - 207 Verify source ↗
(1) The Director of Public Prosecutions may, in matters
AI-assisted research summary: The Director of Public Prosecutions and an accused person who is party to a plea agreement may apply to the sentencing court to set aside a conviction and sentence in specified plea-bargaining situations.
207.–(1) The Director of Public Prosecutions may, in matters relating to plea bargaining and in the public interest and the orderly administration of justice, apply to the court which passed the sentence to have the conviction and sentence procured on the grounds of fraud or misrepresentation pursuant to a plea agreement be set aside. 161 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (2) The accused person who is a party to a plea agreement may apply to the court which passed the sentence to have the conviction and sentence procured involuntarily or by misrepresentation pursuant to a plea agreement be set aside. [ s. 194G] Power to make rules Act No. 11 of 2019 s. 16 - 208 Verify source ↗
Subject to the provisions of this Part, the Chief Justice
AI-assisted research summary: The Chief Justice may make rules and give directives for carrying out the plea bargaining provisions in this Part, subject to those provisions.
208. Subject to the provisions of this Part, the Chief Justice may make rules and give directives for better carrying out the provisions of this Part relating to plea bargaining. [ s. 194H] C. - Examination of Witnesses (a) General Provisions Power to summon material witness or examine person present - 209 Verify source ↗
(1) Any court may, at any stage of a trial or other
AI-assisted research summary: A court may summon, examine, or recall people as witnesses, and must do so when their evidence seems essential; the prosecutor, accused, or accused’s advocate has a right to cross-examine.
209.–(1) Any court may, at any stage of a trial or other proceeding under this Act, summon any person as a witness or examine any person in attendance, though not summoned as a witness, or recall and re-examine any person already examined; and the court shall summon and examine or recall and re-examine any such person if his evidence appears to it essential to the just decision of the case. (2) The prosecutor or the accused or his advocate, shall have the right to cross-examine any such person, and the court shall adjourn the case for that purpose if it considers it necessary. [ s. 195] Evidence to be taken in presence of accused - 210 Verify source ↗
Except as otherwise expressly provided, all evidence
AI-assisted research summary: Evidence in a trial under this Act is generally taken in the accused’s presence, unless personal attendance has been dispensed with or another express exception applies.
210. Except as otherwise expressly provided, all evidence taken in any trial under this Act shall be taken in the presence of the accused, save where his personal attendance has been dispensed with. [ s. 196] 162 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Evidence may be given in absence of accused in certain cases Act No. 5 of 1988 s. 8 Evidence to be given on oath Cap. 34 Refractory witness - 211 Verify source ↗
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 210, evidence
AI-assisted research summary: The court may take evidence and proceed with a trial even when the accused is absent, if the stated conditions are met.
211. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 210, evidence may be taken in any trial under this Act in the absence of the accused if- (a) the examining judge or magistrate considers that by reason of his disorderly conduct before him it is not practicable for the evidence to be given in his presence; or (b) he cannot be present for reasons of health but is represented by counsel and has consented to the evidence being given in his absence, and it shall be lawful for the court to continue with the trial and give judgment in the absence of the accused. [ s. 197] - 212 Verify source ↗
(1) A witness in a criminal cause or matter shall, subject
AI-assisted research summary: Witnesses in criminal cases must be examined on oath or affirmation, unless another written law says otherwise.
212.–(1) A witness in a criminal cause or matter shall, subject to the provisions of any other written law to the contrary, be examined upon oath or affirmation in accordance with the provisions of the Oaths and Statutory Declarations Act. (2) Where an accused person, upon being examined, elects to keep silent, the court shall have the right to draw an adverse inference against him and the court and the prosecution may comment on the failure by the accused to give evidence. [ s. 198] - 213 Verify source ↗
(1) Whenever any person, appearing either in obedience
AI-assisted research summary: If a person called to give evidence refuses to be sworn, answer questions, produce items, or sign depositions without sufficient excuse, the court may adjourn the case for up to 8 days and may keep the person in prison meanwhile unless they comply sooner.
213.–(1) Whenever any person, appearing either in obedience to a summons or by virtue of a warrant, or being present in court and being verbally required by the court to give evidence- (a) refuses to be sworn or affirmed; (b) having been sworn or affirmed, refuses to answer any question put to him; (c) refuses or neglects to produce any document or thing which he is required to produce; or (d) refuses to sign his depositions, without, in any case, offering sufficient excuse for such refusal or neglect, the court may adjourn the case for a period not exceeding eight days and may in the meantime commit him to prison, unless he sooner consents to do what is required of him. 163 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (2) Where such person, upon being brought before the court at or before an adjourned hearing, again refuses to do what is required of him the court may, if it sees fit, again adjourn the case and commit him for the like period; and so again from time to time until he consents to do what is so required of him. [ s. 199] Procedure where accused is only witness called for defence - 214 Verify source ↗
Where the only witness to the facts of the case called by
AI-assisted research summary: The court may, in its discretion, adjourn the hearing of the case to a later time and place.
214. Where the only witness to the facts of the case called by the defence is the person charged, he shall be called as a witness after the close of the evidence for the prosecution, but it shall be lawful for the court in its discretion to adjourn the hearing of the case to a certain time and place to be then appointed and stated in the presence and hearing of the person charged. [ s. 200] Right of reply Act No. 1 of 2008 s. 31 Certificate regarding preparation of photographic prints, etc., receivable in evidence Act No. 11 of 2023 s. 21 - 215 Verify source ↗
In cases where the right of reply under section 315
AI-assisted research summary: The prosecution does not get a right of reply just because the accused was called as a witness, but certain senior prosecuting officers always do.
215. In cases where the right of reply under section 315 depends upon the question whether evidence has been called for the defence, the fact that the person charged has been called as a witness shall not of itself confer on the prosecution the right of reply save that the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General and the Director of Public Prosecutions or a person acting under his instruction for the prosecution shall in all cases have the right to reply. [ s. 201] - 216 Verify source ↗
(1) In any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this
AI-assisted research summary: A certificate from an officer appointed by the Director of Public Prosecutions can be evidence of the facts stated in it, and the court may treat the signature as genuine.
216.–(1) In any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Act a certificate in the form in the Third Schedule to this Act, given under the hand of an officer appointed by the Director of Public Prosecutions for the purpose, who shall have prepared a photographic print or a photographic enlargement from exposed film together with any photographic prints, photographic enlargements and any other annexures referred to therein, shall be evidence of all facts stated in the certificate. (2) The court may presume that the signature to any such certificate is genuine. (3) Where any such certificate is used in any trial or proceeding under this Act other than an inquiry, the court 164 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Report of Government analyst Report of fingerprint expert Act No. 11 of 2023 s. 22 may, if it thinks fit, summon and examine the person who gave the certificate. [ s. 202] - 217 Verify source ↗
(1) A document purporting to be a report under the
AI-assisted research summary: Reports from a Government analyst may be used as evidence in proceedings under the Act, and the court may presume the report signature and the signer’s office. In some non-inquiry proceedings, the court may also summon and examine the analyst.
217.–(1) A document purporting to be a report under the hand of any Government analyst upon any matter or thing duly submitted to him for examination or analysis and report in the course of any proceeding under this Act, may be used as evidence in any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Act. (2) The court may presume that the signature to any such document is genuine and that the person signing it held the office which he professed to hold at the time when he signed it. (3) Where any report is so used in any proceeding other than an inquiry the court may, if it thinks fit, summon and examine the analyst as to the subject matter of that report. (4) In this section “Government analyst” includes a senior pathologist, a pathologist and any person appointed by the Minister responsible for health to perform the duties of a Government analyst under this section. [ s. 203] - 218 Verify source ↗
(1) A document under the hand of an officer appointed
AI-assisted research summary: A fingerprint report signed by an officer appointed by the Director of Public Prosecutions can be used as evidence, and the court may treat the signature as genuine.
218.–(1) A document under the hand of an officer appointed for that purpose by the Director of Public Prosecutions, which purports to be a report upon any fingerprint, or any photographic representation of fingerprints submitted to him for examination or comparison, shall be receivable in evidence in any inquiry, trial or other proceeding under this Act and shall be evidence of all facts stated in that document. (2) The court may presume that the signature to any such report is genuine. (3) Where any such report is received as evidence in any trial or proceeding under this Act other than an inquiry, the court may, if it thinks fit, and shall if so requested by the accused or his advocate, summon and examine or make available for cross-examination the person who gave such report. 165 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Report of handwriting expert Act No. 11 of 2023 s. 23 Matter or thing duly submitted for examination or analysis Act No. 7 of 2018 s. 13 11 of 2023 s. 24 (4) In this section “fingerprint” includes palm print, a toe print and the impression of a foot. [ s. 204] - 219 Verify source ↗
(1) In any committal proceedings, trial or other
AI-assisted research summary: A court may treat certain DPP-appointed handwriting reports as evidence, presume signatures are genuine, and must allow the report maker to be summoned and examined if requested by the accused or advocate in qualifying cases.
219.–(1) In any committal proceedings, trial or other proceedings by or before a magistrate or a judge under this Act, a report in the form set out in the Fourth Schedule to this Act, given under the hand of an officer appointed by the Director of Public Prosecutions for the purpose, being a report upon any handwriting, or any photographic representation of any handwriting, submitted to him for examination or comparison, together with any photographic prints, enlargements or other annexures referred to in it and signed by such officer, shall be receivable in evidence and shall be evidence of the matters stated in it. (2) The court may presume that the signature to any report under this section, print, enlargement or annexure is genuine. (3) When any report under this section is received in evidence in any trial or proceeding under this Act other than an inquiry, the court shall, if the accused or his advocate so requests and may, if it thinks fit, summon and examine the person who made the report or make it available for cross-examination. [ s. 205] - 220 Verify source ↗
(1) A document purporting to be a report under the
AI-assisted research summary: A report signed by certain experts may be used as evidence in proceedings under this Act, if the expert was appointed by the Director of Public Prosecutions for that purpose.
220.–(1) A document purporting to be a report under the hand of a cyber-forensic expert, ballistic expert or any other expert over any matter or thing duly submitted to him for examination or analysis in the course of any proceedings under this Act may be used as evidence in any inquiry, trial or other proceedings under this Act: Provided that, the cyber-forensic expert, ballistic expert or any other expert shall be an officer appointed by the Director of Public Prosecutions for that purpose. (2) The court may presume that the signature to any such document is genuine and the person signing it held the office or expertise which he professed to hold at the time of signing it. [ s. 205A] 166 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Appointment of expert Act No. 11 of 2023 s. 25 - 221 Verify source ↗
The Director of Public Prosecutions may, by notice
AI-assisted research summary: The Director of Public Prosecutions may appoint an expert by notice published in the Gazette.
221. The Director of Public Prosecutions may, by notice published in the Gazette, appoint from any department of the Government, local government authority or private practice a person to be an expert for the purpose of sections 216, 218, 219 or 220. [s. 205B] Issue of commission Parties may examine witnesses (b) Issue of Commission for Examination of Witnesses - 222 Verify source ↗
(1) Whenever in the course of any proceeding under this
AI-assisted research summary: A High Court or district magistrate may order a magistrate to take evidence from a witness when getting the witness to court would be unreasonably difficult, costly, or delayed.
222.–(1) Whenever in the course of any proceeding under this Act, the High Court or a district magistrate is satisfied that the examination of a witness is necessary for the ends of justice, and that the attendance of such witness cannot be procured without an amount of delay, expense or inconvenience which, in the circumstances of the case, would be unreasonable, the court or magistrate may issue a commission to any magistrate within the local limits of whose jurisdiction the witness resides to take the evidence of that witness. (2) The magistrate to whom the commission is issued shall proceed to the place where the witness is or shall summon the witness before him and shall take down his evidence in the same manner and may, for this purpose, exercise the same powers as in the case of a trial. [ s. 206] - 223 Verify source ↗
(1) The parties to any proceeding under this Act in
AI-assisted research summary: When a commission is issued, the parties may submit written interrogatories and may appear before the magistrate to question the witness; the magistrate must examine the witness on those interrogatories.
223.–(1) The parties to any proceeding under this Act in which a commission is issued shall be informed by the court or magistrate issuing the commission that they may respectively forward any interrogatories in writing which the court or magistrate directing the commission may think relevant to the issue, and the magistrate to whom the commission is directed shall examine the witness upon such interrogatories. (2) A party may appear before the magistrate by advocate or, if not in custody, in person and may examine, cross-examine and re-examine, the witness. [ s. 207] 167 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Return of commission Cap. 6 - 224 Verify source ↗
(1) After any commission issued under section 222 has
AI-assisted research summary: After a commission under section 222 is executed, it must be returned to the issuing High Court or magistrate with the witness’s deposition. The papers are open to inspection by the parties and may be used in evidence, subject to just exceptions and section 140 of the Evidence Act.
224.–(1) After any commission issued under section 222 has been duly executed it shall be returned, together with the deposition of the witness examined thereunder, to the High Court or the magistrate who issued it, and the commission, the return thereto, and the deposition shall be open at all reasonable times to inspection of the parties and may, subject to all just exceptions, be read in evidence in the case by either party and shall form part of the record. (2) Any deposition so taken, if it satisfies the conditions of section 140 of the Evidence Act, may also be received in evidence at any subsequent stage of the case before another court. [ s. 208] Adjournment of proceedings - 225 Verify source ↗
In every case in which a commission is issued under
AI-assisted research summary: When a commission is issued under section 222, the proceeding may be adjourned for a specified time needed to execute and return the commission.
225. In every case in which a commission is issued under section 222 the proceeding may be adjourned for a specified time reasonably sufficient for the execution and return of the commission. [ s. 209] (c) Taking and Recording of Evidence Manner of recording evidence before magistrate - 226 Verify source ↗
(1) In trials, other than trials under section 229, by or
AI-assisted research summary: In most magistrate trials, witness evidence must be written down, usually as a narrative, and the magistrate must tell each witness they can ask for it to be read back.
226.–(1) In trials, other than trials under section 229, by or before a magistrate, the evidence of the witnesses shall be recorded in the following manner- (a) the evidence of each witness shall be taken down in writing in the language of the court by the magistrate or in his presence and hearing and under his personal direction and superintendence and shall be signed by him and shall form part of the record; and (b) the evidence shall not ordinarily be taken down in the form of question and answer but, subject to subsection (2), in the form of a narrative. (2) The magistrate may, in his discretion, take down or cause to be taken down any particular question and answer. (3) The magistrate shall inform each witness that he is entitled to have his evidence read over to him and if a witness asks that his evidence be read over to him, the magistrate shall 168 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Interpretation of evidence to accused or his advocate record any comments which the witness may make concerning his evidence. [ s. 210] - 227 Verify source ↗
(1) Whenever any evidence is given in a language not
AI-assisted research summary: If evidence is in a language the accused or their advocate does not understand, it must be interpreted for them; the court may decide how much of certain documents to interpret for formal proof.
227.–(1) Whenever any evidence is given in a language not understood by the accused and he is present in person, it shall be interpreted to him in open court in a language understood by him. (2) Where he is represented by an advocate and the evidence is given in a language other than the language of the court, and not understood by the advocate, it shall be interpreted to such advocate in the language of the court. (3) Where documents are produced for the purpose of formal proof it shall be in the discretion of the court to interpret as much of them as appears necessary. [ s. 211] Remarks respecting demeanour of witness - 228 Verify source ↗
Where a magistrate has recorded the evidence of a
AI-assisted research summary: If a magistrate has recorded a witness’s evidence, the magistrate must also record any remarks considered material about the witness’s demeanour during examination.
228. Where a magistrate has recorded the evidence of a witness he shall also record such remarks, if any, as he thinks material respecting the demeanour of the witness whilst under examination. [s. 212] Procedure in case of minor offences - 229 Verify source ↗
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act,
AI-assisted research summary: A magistrate may try certain minor offences without recording evidence, but must record specified details and cannot impose a sentence above the stated limits.
229.–(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, every magistrate may, if he thinks fit, try any of the offences mentioned in subsection (2) without recording the evidence as hereinbefore provided, but in any such case he shall enter in such form as the High Court may direct, the following particulars- (a) the serial number; (b) the date of the commission of the offence; (c) the date of the complaint; (d) the name of the complainant; (e) the name, parentage and residence of the accused; (f) the offence complained of and the offence, if any, proved, and, in cases under paragraph (c), (d) or (e) of 169 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Cap. 16 Cap. 16 Cap. 16 subsection (2), the value of the property in respect of which the offence has been committed; (g) the plea of the accused; (h) the finding and, where evidence has been taken, a judgment embodying the substance of such evidence; (i) the sentence or other final order; and (j) the date on which the proceedings terminated. (2) The offences referred to in subsection (1) shall be as follows- (a) offences punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding one thousand shillings; (b) common assault under section 240 of the Penal Code; (c) theft under Chapter XXVII of the Penal Code where the value of the property stolen does not exceed fifty thousand shillings; (d) receiving or retaining stolen property under Chapter XXXII of the Penal Code where the value of such property does not exceed fifty thousand shillings; (e) malicious injury to property where the value of such property does not exceed one hundred shillings; (f) aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the commission of any of offences referred to in this subsection; (g) attempting to commit any of the offences referred to in this subsection; or (h) any other offence which the Chief Justice may, by order published in the Gazette, direct to be tried in accordance with the provisions of this section. (3) Where in the course of a trial under the provisions of this section it appears to the magistrate that the case is of a character which renders it undesirable that it should be so tried, the magistrate shall recall any witnesses and proceed to rehear the case in the manner otherwise provided by this Part. (4) A sentence of imprisonment for a term exceeding six months or of a fine of an amount exceeding one thousand 170 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Conviction or committal where proceedings heard partly by one magistrate and partly by another Acts Nos. 5 of 1988 s. 9; 9 of 2002 Sch. shillings shall not be imposed in the case of any conviction under this section. [s. 213] - 230 Verify source ↗
(1) Where any magistrate, after having heard and
AI-assisted research summary: If a magistrate cannot finish a trial or committal proceeding, another qualified magistrate may take over and continue it; the High Court may also set aside a conviction in certain cases and order a new trial.
230.–(1) Where any magistrate, after having heard and recorded the whole or any part of the evidence in any trial or conducted in whole or part any committal proceedings is for any reason unable to complete the trial or the committal proceedings or he is unable to complete the trial or committal proceedings within a reasonable time, another magistrate who has and who exercises jurisdiction may take over and continue the trial or committal proceedings, as the case may be, and the magistrate so taking over may act on the evidence or proceeding recorded by his predecessor and may, in the case of a trial and if he considers it necessary, re-summon the witnesses and recommence the trial or the committal proceedings. (2) Whenever the provisions of subsection (1) apply the High Court may, whether there be an appeal or not, set aside any conviction passed on evidence not wholly recorded by the magistrate before the conviction was had, if it is of the opinion that the accused has been materially prejudiced thereby and may order a new trial. (3) Nothing in subsection (1) shall be construed as preventing a magistrate who has recorded the whole of the evidence in any trial and who, before passing the judgment is unable to complete the trial, from writing the judgment and forwarding the record of the proceedings together with the judgment to the magistrate who has succeeded him for the judgment to be read over and, in the case of conviction, for the sentence to be passed by that other magistrate. [s. 214] Manner of recording evidence in High Court - 231 Verify source ↗
The High Court may, by rules, prescribe the manner in
AI-assisted research summary: The High Court may make rules about how evidence is recorded in cases before it.
231. The High Court may, by rules, prescribe the manner in which evidence shall be recorded in cases coming before the court and the evidence or the substance thereof shall be taken down in accordance with those rules. [s. 215] 171 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Prosecutor to give or adduce evidence before inquiry by court as to insanity of accused Acts Nos. 9 of 2002 Sch.; 21 of 2008 s. 43; Cap. 98 (d) Procedure in Case of the Insanity or Incapacity of an Accused Person - 232 Verify source ↗
(1) Where in the course of a trial the court has reason to
AI-assisted research summary: If the court suspects the accused is mentally unfit to defend the case, it must first hear prosecution evidence; if no case is made out, it must dismiss and acquit; if a case is made out, the court may order medical examination or bail with conditions, and later act on the medical report.
232.–(1) Where in the course of a trial the court has reason to believe that the accused is of unsound mind and consequently incapable of making his defence it shall, before inquiring into the fact of such unsoundness of mind and notwithstanding the fact that the accused may not have pleaded to the charge, call on the prosecution to give or adduce evidence in support of the charge. (2) Where at the close of the evidence in support of the charge it appears to the court that a case is not made out against the accused person, the court shall dismiss the charge and acquit the accused person and may then proceed to deal with him under the Mental Health Act. (3) Where at the close of the evidence in support of the charge it appears to the court that a case has been made out against the accused person, it shall then proceed to inquire into the fact of the unsoundness of mind of the accused and, for this purpose, may order him to be detained in a mental hospital for medical examination or, in case where bail may be granted, may admit him to bail on sufficient security as to his personal safety and that of the public and on condition that he submits himself to medical examination or observation by a medical officer as may be directed by the court. (4) The medical officer in charge of the mental hospital in which an accused person has been ordered to be detained or a medical officer to whom he has been ordered to submit himself for mental examination or observation pursuant to subsection (3) shall, within forty two days of such detention or submission, prepare and transmit to the court ordering the detention or submission, a written report on the mental condition of the accused stating whether in his opinion the accused is of unsound mind and consequently incapable of making his defence. (5) On the receipt by the court of the written report provided for by subsection (4), it shall resume its inquiry into the question of the unsoundness of mind of the accused and 172 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] may admit as evidence for this purpose any such written report purporting to be signed by the medical officer who prepared it unless it is proved that the medical officer purporting to sign it in fact did not sign it. (6) Where the court having considered any written report admitted in evidence under subsection (5) and any other evidence that may be available to it regarding the state of mind of the accused is of the opinion that the accused is of unsound mind and consequently incapable of making his defence, it shall record a finding to that effect, postpone further proceedings in the case, order the accused to be detained as a mentally disorder offender in a mental hospital or other suitable place of custody until released or otherwise dealt with in the manner provided for in section 233 or 234. (7) Where the written report required by subsection (4) is to the effect that the accused is of sound mind and capable of making his defence, proceedings shall be resumed as provided for by section 234. [s. 216] - 233 Verify source ↗
(1) Where an accused person detained in pursuance of
AI-assisted research summary: If an accused person has regained capacity to defend himself, the medical officer must send a certificate to the court and the Director of Public Prosecutions. The DPP may ask to continue the case within 14 days, and the court must then either bring the accused before it or discharge him, depending on whether the Republic will continue proceedings.
233.–(1) Where an accused person detained in pursuance of a warrant issued under section 232 or section 299 is found by the medical officer in whose charge he is to have recovered his soundness of mind sufficiently to be capable of making his defence, the medical officer shall forthwith forward to the respective court a certificate stating therein also whether the accused would, but for the charge against him, be fit to stand trial, and a certified copy of such certificate to the Director of Public Prosecutions. (2) Where the Director of Public Prosecutions intends to continue proceedings against the accused, he may within fourteen days from the date of receiving a certified copy of a certificate issued under subsection (1), inform the court which issued the warrant under section 232 or 234 that he wishes to continue proceedings against the accused. (3) Where the court receives a certificate provided for in subsection (1), or where the court is informed by the Director 173 Procedure where accused certified as capable of making defence Act No. 9 of 2002 Sch. ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Cap. 98 Resumption of trial or inquiry of Public Prosecutions that the Republic intends to continue proceedings against the accused, it shall order removal of the person from the place where he is detained and shall cause him to be brought before it in the manner provided by section 234. (4) Where the court is informed by the Director of Public Prosecutions that the Republic does not intend to continue proceedings against the accused, the court shall- (a) in cases where the certificate provided for in subsection (1) states that the accused is fit for unconditional discharge forthwith, make an order for his discharge; or (b) in all other cases, record the fact that proceedings have been discontinued, discharge the accused of the charge and forthwith proceed to deal with him under section 8 of the Mental Health Act as a person deemed to have been brought before it under that Act. (5) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (4), any discharge of the accused pursuant to this section shall not operate as a bar to any subsequent proceedings against him on account of the same facts. [s. 217] - 234 Verify source ↗
(1) Whenever a written report under subsection (4) of
AI-assisted research summary: If the court receives the specified report or information, it must resume the trial and bring the accused before it.
234.–(1) Whenever a written report under subsection (4) of section 232 or information under subsection (3) of section 233 is received by the court, it shall, subject to subsection (4) resume the trial and require the accused to appear or be brought before it. (2) Where proceedings are resumed under subsection (1) the court shall, in all cases where the proceedings are resumed by virtue of subsection (3) of section 233, proceed to hear the case de novo, and in any other case it may in its discretion treat the case as partly heard and may then proceed to hear further evidence in the case. (3) Any written report given under subsection (4) of section 232 or the production of a certificate issued under subsection (1) of section 233, it may, if still not satisfied that the accused is of sound mind and capable of making his defence record a 174 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Defence of insanity at trial Acts Nos. 9 of 2002 Sch.; 11 of 2019 s. 17 Cap. 16 Cap. 98 finding to that effect and proceed to make a fresh order under subsection (6) of section 232. [s. 218] - 235 Verify source ↗
(1) Where any act or omission is charged against any
AI-assisted research summary: If insanity is to be used as a defence, it must be raised when the accused is called to plead. If the court finds the accused committed the act but was insane, it must make a special finding and may order custody, discharge, supervision, reporting, or transfer of the offender.
235.–(1) Where any act or omission is charged against any person as an offence, and it is intended at the trial of that person to raise the defence of insanity, that defence shall be raised at the time when the person is called upon to plead. (2) Where, on the evidence on record, it appears to the court that the accused did the act or made the omission charged but was insane so as not to be responsible for his action at the time when the act was done or the omission was made, the court shall make a special finding to the effect that the accused did the act or made the omission charged but by reason of his insanity, is not guilty of the offence. (3) When a special finding pursuant to subsection (2) is made by the court, it shall- (a) where the person against whom a special finding is made was charged with an offence under the Penal Code involving physical violence or damage to property for which, but for his insanity, at the time of doing the act or making the omission he would on conviction be liable to sentence of death or to suffer imprisonment for a term not less than seven years, order the person to be kept in a mental hospital, prison or other suitable place of custody as a mentally disordered offender; (b) in any other case, in its discretion, either proceed to deal with the person under section 8 of the Mental Health Act or discharge or otherwise deal with him, subject to such conditions as his remaining under supervision in any place or by any person and to such other condition for ensuring his safety and welfare and that of the public as the court shall think fit. (4) The superintendent of a mental hospital, prison or other place in which any mentally disordered offender is detained by an order of the court under subsection (3)(a), shall make a report in writing to the Minister of the condition, history and 175 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] circumstances of any such mentally disordered offender at the expiration of a period of three years from the period of the court’s order and thereafter at the expiration of a period of two years from the date of the last report. (5) On the consideration of a report under subsection (4), the Minister may order that the mentally disordered offender be discharged or otherwise dealt with, subject to such conditions as to his remaining under supervision in any place or by any person and to such other conditions for ensuring the safety and welfare of the mentally disordered offender and the public, as the Minister shall think fit. (6) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (4), any person authorised by the Minister may, at any time, after a mentally disordered offender has been detained, report to the Minister on the condition, history and circumstances of that mentally disordered offender and the Minister, on consideration of the report, may order that the mentally disordered offender be discharged or otherwise dealt with, subject to such conditions as to his remaining under supervision in any place or by any person and to such other conditions for ensuring the safety and welfare of the said mentally disordered offender and the public as the Minister shall think fit. (7) The court may, at any time, order that a mentally disordered offender be transferred from a mental hospital to a prison or from any place in which he is detained or remains under supervision to either a prison or a mental hospital. [s. 219] - 236 Verify source ↗
(1) Where any act or omission is charged against any
AI-assisted research summary: If insanity may have affected an accused person, the court may adjourn the case and order a mental-hospital examination; the medical officer must report within 42 days, and the accused and prosecution may then present evidence.
236.–(1) Where any act or omission is charged against any person as an offence and it appears to the court during the trial of such person for that offence that such person may have been insane so as not to be responsible for his action at the time when the act was done or omission made, a court may, notwithstanding that no evidence has been adduced or given of such insanity, adjourn the proceedings and order the accused person to be detained in a mental hospital for medical examination. 176 Court’s power to inquire into insanity ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (2) A medical officer in charge of the mental hospital in which an accused person has been ordered to be detained pursuant to subsection (1) shall, within forty two days of the detention, prepare and transmit to the court ordering the detention a written report on the mental condition of the accused setting out whether, in his opinion, at the time when the offence was committed the accused was insane so as not to be responsible for his action and such written report purporting to be signed by the medical officer who prepared it may be admitted as evidence unless it is proved that the medical officer purporting to sign it did not in fact sign it. (3) Where the court admits a medical report signed by the medical officer in charge of the mental hospital where the accused was detained, the accused and the prosecution shall be entitled to adduce such evidence relevant to the issue of insanity as they may consider fit. (4) Where, on the evidence on record, it appears to the court that the accused did the act or made the omission charged but was insane so as not to be responsible for his action at the time when the act was done or omission made, the court shall make a special finding in accordance with the provisions of subsection (2) of section 235 and all the provisions of section 235 shall apply to every such case. [s. 220] - 237 Verify source ↗
(1) Where the accused, though not insane, cannot be
AI-assisted research summary: If an accused cannot understand proceedings, the court follows special procedures, may detain the accused during the President’s pleasure in specified cases, and the Minister has control over detention conditions and later discharge.
237.–(1) Where the accused, though not insane, cannot be made to understand the proceedings- (a) in cases tried by a subordinate court, the court shall proceed to hear the evidence and, if at the close of the evidence for the prosecution and, if the defence has been called upon, at the close of any evidence for the defence, the court is of the opinion that the evidence which it has heard would justify a conviction, it shall sentence the accused to be detained during the President’s pleasure; but if the evidence does not justify a conviction, it shall acquit and discharge the accused; 177 Procedure where accused does not understand proceedings ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (b) in cases which are the subject of committal proceedings by a subordinate court and of trial by the High Court, the subordinate court shall commit the accused for trial by the High Court and either admit him to bail or send him to prison for safe keeping, and the High Court shall, if the Director of Public Prosecutions has filed an information, proceed to hear all the evidence available both for the prosecution and the defence, and if satisfied that the accused is guilty of the offence charged shall sentence him to be detained during the President’s pleasure; or (c) where the Director of Public Prosecutions states to the committing court that he does not intend to file information, the accused shall be at once discharged in respect of the charge made against him and, if he has been committed to prison, shall be released or, if on bail, his recognisance shall be discharged; but such discharge of the accused shall not operate as a bar to any subsequent proceedings against him on account of the same facts. (2) A person sentenced to be detained during the President’s pleasure shall be liable to be detained in such place and under such conditions as the Minister may, by order, direct and whilst so detained shall be deemed to be in legal custody. (3) The Minister may, at any time, of his own motion or after receiving a report from any person authorised by him, order that a person so detained in accordance with subsection (2) be discharged or otherwise dealt with, subject to such conditions as to his remaining under supervision in any place or by any person and such other conditions for ensuring the safety and welfare of the said person and the public as the Minister shall think fit. (4) Where a person has been detained during the President’s pleasure under paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (1), the presiding judge or magistrate shall forward to the Attorney General a copy of the record of evidence taken on trial, with a report in writing signed by him containing any recommendation or observations on the case which he may think fit. [s. 221] 178 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] PART VII PROCEDURE IN TRIALS BEFORE SUBORDINATE COURTS (a) Provisions Relating to the Hearing and Determination of Cases
Part
PART VII
- 238 Verify source ↗
Where, in any case which a subordinate court has
AI-assisted research summary: If the accused appears but the complainant does not, the court must dismiss the charge and discharge the accused, unless it decides to adjourn the hearing.
238. Where, in any case which a subordinate court has jurisdiction to hear and determine, the accused person appears in obedience to the summons served upon him at the time and place appointed in the summons for the hearing of the case, or is brought before the court under arrest, then, if the complainant, having had notice of the time and place appointed for the hearing of the charge does not appear, the court shall dismiss the charge and discharge the accused person, unless for some reason, it shall think it proper to adjourn hearing of the case until some other date and, pending the adjourned hearing, either admit the accused person to bail or remand him to prison, or take such security for his appearance as the court thinks fit. [s. 222] - 239 Verify source ↗
Where at a time appointed for hearing of the case both
AI-assisted research summary: The court must proceed to hear the case when both the complainant and accused appear, or when the complainant appears and the accused’s personal attendance has been dispensed with under section 199.
239. Where at a time appointed for hearing of the case both the complainant and the accused person appear before the court which is to hear and determine the charge, or if the complainant appears and the personal attendance of the accused person has been dispensed with under section 199, the court shall proceed to hear the case. [s. 223] - 240 Verify source ↗
Where a complainant, at any time before a final order
AI-assisted research summary: A complainant may withdraw a complaint before a final order if the court is satisfied there are sufficient grounds, and the court must then acquit the accused; this applies only to minor offences.
240. Where a complainant, at any time before a final order is passed in any case under this Part, satisfies the court that there are sufficient grounds for permitting him to withdraw his complaint against the accused, or if there be more than one accused person, or any of them, the court may permit him to withdraw the complaint and shall thereupon acquit the Non-appearance of complainant at hearing Act No. 3 of 2011 s. 18; Appearance of both parties Withdrawal of complaint 179 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Abatement of trial in subordinate courts Act No. 9 of 2002 Sch. Adjournment and remand of accused Act No. 5 of 1988 s. 10 accused against whom the complaint is so withdrawn; save that this section shall apply only in cases of minor offences. [s. 224] - 241 Verify source ↗
Every trial under this Part shall abate on the death of the
AI-assisted research summary: A trial under this Part must abate if the accused person dies.
241. Every trial under this Part shall abate on the death of the accused person. [s. 224A] - 242 Verify source ↗
(1) Subject to subsections (3) and (6), before or during
AI-assisted research summary: The court may adjourn a hearing and manage the accused person’s custody or release, but only within the time limits and certificate requirements in this section.
242.–(1) Subject to subsections (3) and (6), before or during the hearing of any case, it shall be lawful for the court in its discretion to adjourn the hearing to a certain time and place to be then appointed and stated in the presence and hearing of the party or parties or their respective advocates then present, and in the meantime, the court may suffer the accused person to go at large, or may commit him to prison, or may release him upon his entering into a recognisance with or without sureties at the discretion of the court, conditioned for his appearance at the time and place to which such hearing or further hearing shall be adjourned. (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), no adjournment shall be for more than thirty clear days or, if the accused person has been committed to prison, for more than fifteen clear days, the day, following that on which the adjournment is made being counted as the first day. (3) The court may commit the accused person to police custody- (a) for not more than three clear days if there is no prison within five miles of the court house and may, further commit the accused person to police custody for a period of not more than fifteen days in the aggregate; (b) for not more than seven clear days if there is no prison within five miles of the court house and the court does not intend to sit again at such court house within three days, and may, further commit the accused person to police custody for a period of not more than fifteen days in the aggregate; or 180 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Cap. 16 (c) at the request of the accused person, for not more than fifteen clear days. (4) Except for cases involving offences under sections 39, 40, 41, 43, 45, 48(a) and 59, of the Penal Code or offences involving fraud, conspiracy to defraud or forgery, it shall not be lawful for a court to adjourn a case in respect of offences specified in the First Schedule to this Act under the provisions of subsection (1) of this section for an aggregate exceeding sixty days except under the following circumstances- (a) wherever a certificate by a Regional Crimes Officer is filed in court stating the need and grounds for adjourning the case, the court may adjourn the case for a further period not exceeding an aggregate of sixty days in respect of offences stated in the First Schedule to this Act; (b) wherever a certificate is filed in court by the state attorney stating the need and grounds for seeking a further adjournment beyond the adjournment made under paragraph (a), the court shall adjourn the case for a further period not exceeding, in the aggregate, sixty days; (c) wherever a certificate is filed in court by the Director of Public Prosecutions or a person authorised by him in that behalf stating the need for and grounds for a further adjournment beyond the adjournment made under paragraph (b), the court shall not adjourn such case for a period exceeding an aggregate of twenty four months since the date of the first adjournment given under paragraph (a). (5) Where no certificate is filed under the provisions of subsection (4), the court shall proceed to hear the case or, where the prosecution is unable to proceed with the hearing discharge the accused in the court, save that any discharge under this section shall not operate as a bar to a subsequent charge being brought against the accused for the same offence. 181 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Cap. 200 Non-appearance of parties after adjournment Act No. 3 of 2011 s. 19 (6) Nothing in this section shall be construed as providing for the application of this section to any proceedings in a subordinate court in relation to any offence triable only by the High Court under the Economic and Organised Crime Control Act. [s. 225] - 243 Verify source ↗
(1) Where at the time or place to which the hearing or
AI-assisted research summary: If an accused or complainant does not appear after an adjournment, the court may still continue, dismiss the charge, or issue a warrant depending on the circumstances.
243.–(1) Where at the time or place to which the hearing or further hearing is adjourned, the accused person does not appear before the court in which the order of adjournment was made, it shall be lawful for the court to proceed with the hearing or further hearing as if the accused were present; and if the complainant does not appear, the court may dismiss the charge and discharge the accused with or without costs as the court thinks fit. (2) Where the court convicts the accused person in his absence, it may set aside the conviction, upon being satisfied that his absence was from causes over which he had no control and that he had a probable defence on the merit. (3) A sentence passed under subsection (1) shall be deemed to commence from the date of apprehension and the person effecting such apprehension shall endorse the date thereof on the back of the warrant of commitment. (4) The court, in its discretion, may refrain from convicting the accused in his absence, and in every such case, the court shall issue a warrant for the apprehension of the accused person and cause him to be brought before the court. (5) Where the court dismisses the charge and discharges an accused person under this section or section 238, the complainant may, within thirty days from the date of dismissal, file an application for re-institution of the charge. (6) The court may, upon being satisfied that the complainant’s absence was due to reasons to which the complainant had no control or could not, within the circumstance have control, grant application for re-institution of the charge and proceedings, if any. [s. 226] 182 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Accused may be convicted and sentenced notwithstanding his absence Accused to be called upon to plead Act No. 4 of 1991 Sch. - 244 Verify source ↗
Where in any case to which section 243 does not apply,
AI-assisted research summary: If an accused in a subordinate court does not appear, the court may still continue and dispose of the case if attendance cannot be secured without undue delay or expense.
244. Where in any case to which section 243 does not apply, an accused being tried by a subordinate court fails to appear on the date fixed for the continuation of the hearing after the close of the prosecution case or on the date fixed for the passing of sentence, the court may, if it is satisfied that the accused’s attendance cannot be secured without undue delay or expense, proceed to dispose of the case in accordance with the provisions of section 248 as if the accused, being present, had failed to make any statement or adduce any evidence or, as the case may be, make any further statement or adduce further evidence in relation to any sentence which the court may pass: Provided that- (a) where the accused so fails to appear but his advocate appears, the advocate, subject to the provisions of this Act, be entitled to call any defence witness and to address the court as if the accused had been or is convicted, and the advocate shall be entitled to call any witness and to address the court on matters relevant to any sentence which the court may pass; and (b) where the accused appears on any subsequent date to which the proceedings may have been adjourned, the proceedings under this section on the day or days on which the accused was absent shall not be invalid by reason only of his absence. [s. 227] - 245 Verify source ↗
(1) The substance of the charge shall be stated to the
AI-assisted research summary: The court must tell the accused the charge and ask whether it is admitted or denied, then follow different steps depending on the response.
245.–(1) The substance of the charge shall be stated to the accused person by the court, and he shall be asked whether he admits or denies the truth of the charge. (2) Where the accused person admits the truth of the charge, his admission shall be recorded as nearly as possible in the words he uses and the magistrate shall convict him and pass sentence upon or make an order against him, unless there appears to be sufficient cause to the contrary. (3) Where the accused person does not admit the truth of the charge, the court shall proceed to hear the case as hereinafter provided. 183 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Procedure on plea of “not guilty” (4) Where the accused person refuses to plead, the court shall order a plea of “not guilty” to be entered for him. (5)5 Where the accused pleads- (a) that he has been previously acquitted of the same offence; or (b) he has obtained a pardon at law for his offence, the court shall first try whether or not in fact such plea is true. (6) Where the court holds that the evidence adduced in support of such plea does not sustain the plea, or if it finds that such plea is false in fact, the accused person shall be required to plead to the charge. (7) After the accused has pleaded to the charge read to him in court under this section, the court shall obtain from him his permanent address and shall record and keep it. [s. 228] - 246 Verify source ↗
(1) Where the accused person does not admit the truth
AI-assisted research summary: If the accused does not admit the charge, the prosecutor must open the case, call witnesses, and present evidence; the accused or advocate may question witnesses.
246.–(1) Where the accused person does not admit the truth of the charge, the prosecutor shall open the case against the accused person and shall call witnesses and adduce evidence in support of the charge. (2) The accused person or his advocate may put questions to each witness produced against him. (3) Where the accused person does not employ an advocate, the court shall, at the close of the examination of each witness for the prosecution, ask the accused person whether he wishes to put any questions to that witness or make any statement. (4) Where the accused person asks any question, the magistrate shall record the answer and, if he makes a statement, the magistrate shall, if he thinks it desirable in the interest of the accused person, put the substance of such statement to the witness in the form of a question and record his answer. [s. 229] 5 Note: Subsection (5) was rearranged into subsections (5) and (6) to bring the subsection in line with the applicable format of a legislative provision. 184 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Discharge of accused person when no case to answer Defence - 247 Verify source ↗
Where, at the close of the evidence in support of the charge,
AI-assisted research summary: If, after the prosecution evidence closes, the court thinks the case is not strong enough to require a defence, it must dismiss the charge and acquit the accused.
247. Where, at the close of the evidence in support of the charge, it appears to the court that a case is not made out against the accused person sufficiently to require him to make a defence either in relation to the offence with which he is charged or in relation to any other offence of which, under the provisions of sections 319 to 328 of this Act, he is liable to be convicted, the court shall dismiss the charge and acquit the accused person. [ s. 230] - 248 Verify source ↗
(1) At the close of the evidence in support of the charge,
AI-assisted research summary: After the prosecution’s evidence closes, the court must explain the charge and tell the accused about the rights to testify and call witnesses, then ask what the accused wants to do.
248.–(1) At the close of the evidence in support of the charge, if it appears to the court that a case is made against the accused person sufficiently to require him to make a defence either in relation to the offence with which he is charged or in relation to any other offence of which, under the provisions of sections 319 to 328 of this Act, he is liable to be convicted, the court shall again explain the substance of the charge to the accused and inform him of his right- (a) to give evidence whether or not on oath or affirmation, on his own behalf; and (b) to call witness in his defence, and shall then ask the accused person or his advocate if it is intended to exercise any of the above rights and shall record the answer; and the court shall then call on the accused person to enter on his defence save where the accused person does not wish to exercise any of those rights. (2) Notwithstanding that an accused person elects to give evidence not on oath or affirmation, he shall be subject to cross-examination by the prosecution. (3) Where the accused, after he has been informed in terms of subsection (1), elects to remain silent, the court shall be entitled to draw an adverse inference against him and the court as well as the prosecution shall be permitted to comment on the failure by the accused to give evidence. (4) Where the accused person states that he has witnesses to call but that they are not present in court, and the court is satisfied that the absence of such witnesses is not due to 185 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] any fault or neglect of the accused person and that there is likelihood that they could, if present, give material evidence on behalf of the accused person, the court may adjourn the trial and issue process or take other steps to compel attendance of such witnesses. [ s. 231] Evidence in reply - 249 Verify source ↗
Where the accused person examines any witnesses or
AI-assisted research summary: If the accused gives evidence or examines witnesses, the court may allow the prosecutor to reply with evidence.
249. Where the accused person examines any witnesses or gives any evidence other than as to his general character, the court may grant leave to the prosecutor to give or adduce evidence in reply. [ s. 232] Order of speeches - 250 Verify source ↗
The prosecutor and the accused or his advocate shall be
AI-assisted research summary: The prosecutor and the accused or their advocate may address the court in the same manner and order as in the trial before the High Court.
250. The prosecutor and the accused or his advocate shall be entitled to address the court in the same manner and order as in the trial under the provisions of this Act before the High Court. [ s. 233] Variance between charge and evidence and amendment of charge - 251 Verify source ↗
(1) Where, at any stage of a trial, it appears to the court
AI-assisted research summary: The court may alter a defective charge during trial, and the accused and prosecution get related rights to recall and re-examine witnesses.
251.–(1) Where, at any stage of a trial, it appears to the court that the charge is defective, either in substance or form, the court may make such order for alteration of the charge either by way of amendment of the charge or by substitution or addition of a new charge as the court thinks necessary to meet the circumstances of the case unless, having regard to the merits of the case, the required amendments cannot be made without injustice; and all amendments made under the provisions of this subsection shall be made upon such terms as the court shall seem just. (2) Subject to subsection (1), where a charge is altered under that subsection- (a) the court shall thereupon call upon the accused person to plead to the altered charge; (b) the accused may demand that the witnesses or any of them be recalled and give their evidence afresh or be further cross-examined by the accused or his advocate and, in such last mentioned event, the prosecution 186 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] shall have the right to re-examine any such witness on matters arising out of such further cross-examination; and (c) the court may permit the prosecution to recall and examine, with reference to any alteration of or addition to the charge that may be allowed, any witness who may have been examined unless the court for any reason to be recorded in writing considers that the application is made for the purpose of vexation, delay or for defeating the ends of justice. (3) Variance between the charge and the evidence adduced in support of it with respect to the time at which the alleged offence was committed is not material and the charge need not be amended for such variance if it is proved that the proceedings were in fact instituted within the time, if any, limited by law for the institution thereof. (4) Where an alteration of the charge is made under subsection (1) or there is a variance between the charge and the evidence as described in subsection (2), the court shall, if it is of the opinion that the accused has been thereby misled or deceived, adjourn the trial for such period as may be reasonably necessary. (5) Where an alteration of the charge is made under subsection (1), the prosecution may demand that the witnesses or any of them be recalled and give their evidence afresh or be further examined by the prosecution and the court shall call such witness or witnesses unless the court, for reasons to be recorded in writing, considers that the application is made for the purpose of vexation, delay or defeating the ends of justice. [ s. 234] Decision Acts Nos. 10 of 1989 Sch.; 3 of 2011 s. 20 Cap. 16 - 252 Verify source ↗
(1) The court, having heard both the complainant and
AI-assisted research summary: After hearing the complainant, the accused, their witnesses, and the evidence, the court must convict and sentence the accused or acquit/discharge them under the Penal Code. If the accused is acquitted, the court must require a permanent address for service and record it.
252.–(1) The court, having heard both the complainant and the accused person and their witnesses and the evidence, shall convict the accused and pass sentence upon or make an order against him according to law or shall acquit or discharge him under section 38 of the Penal Code. 187 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (2) Where the court acquits the accused, it shall require him to give his permanent address for service in case there is an appeal against his acquittal and the court shall record or cause it to be recorded. [ s. 235] Evidence relative to proper sentences or order - 253 Verify source ↗
The court may, before passing sentence, receive such
AI-assisted research summary: The court may receive evidence before sentencing if it thinks fit.
253. The court may, before passing sentence, receive such evidence as it thinks fit, in order to inform itself as to the proper sentence to be passed. [ s. 236] Taking other offences into consideration - 254 Verify source ↗
Without prejudice to the generality of section 253, a
AI-assisted research summary: A subordinate court presided over by a resident magistrate may consider another offence when deciding sentence, if the section’s explanation and admission/request conditions are met.
254. Without prejudice to the generality of section 253, a subordinate court presided over by a resident magistrate may, subject to the provisions of this section, for the purpose of assessing the proper sentence to be passed, take into consideration any other offence committed by the accused- (a) where it has been explained by the court to the accused person in ordinary language that the sentence to be passed upon him for the offence of which he has been convicted in those proceedings may be greater if the other offence is taken into consideration; and (b) after the explanation, the accused person- (i) admits the commission of the other offence; and (ii) asks the court to take the other offence into consideration. (3) Nothing in this section shall entitle a court which has taken an offence into consideration to pass upon an accused person any sentence in excess of the maximum sentence which may be awarded by that court for the offence of which that person was convicted in those proceedings. [ s. 237] Drawing conviction or acquittal orders - 255 Verify source ↗
The conviction or acquittal or other order may, if required,
AI-assisted research summary: A conviction, acquittal, or other order may be drawn up if required, and it must be signed by the court or by the court clerk or another court officer.
255. The conviction or acquittal or other order may, if required, be drawn up and shall be signed by the court or by the clerk or other officer of the court. [ s. 238] 188 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Order of dismissal of further charges - 256 Verify source ↗
The production of the copy of the order of acquittal
AI-assisted research summary: A certified copy of an acquittal order can bar a later charge for the same matter against the same accused.
256. The production of the copy of the order of acquittal certified by the clerk or other officer of the court shall, without other proof, be a bar to any subsequent charge for the same matter against the same accused. [ s. 239] Statements by medical witnesses Limitation of time for summary trials in certain cases - 257 Verify source ↗
(1) In any trial before a subordinate court, any document
AI-assisted research summary: A subordinate court may accept a medical witness’s report on a purely medical or surgical matter as evidence, and the accused can require the reporter to be called for examination.
257.–(1) In any trial before a subordinate court, any document purporting to be a report signed by a medical witness upon any purely medical or surgical matter shall be receivable in evidence. (2) The court may presume that the signature to any such document is genuine and that the person signing the same held the office or had the qualifications which he possessed to hold or to have when he signed it. (3) Where a report referred to in this section is received in evidence the court may, if it thinks fit, and shall, if so requested by the accused or his advocate, summon and examine or make available for cross-examination the person who made the report; and the court shall inform the accused of his right to require the person who made the report to be summoned in accordance with the provisions of this subsection. [ s. 240] (b) Limitations and Exceptions relating to Trials Before Subordinate Courts - 258 Verify source ↗
Except where a longer time is specially allowed by law,
AI-assisted research summary: A subordinate court cannot try certain offences unless the charge or complaint is laid within 12 months, unless a longer time is specially allowed by law.
258. Except where a longer time is specially allowed by law, no offence, the maximum punishment for which does not exceed imprisonment for six months or a fine of five thousand shillings, or both, shall be triable by a subordinate court unless the charge or complaint relating to it is laid within twelve months from the time when the matter of such charge or complaint arose. [ s. 241] 189 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Procedure in case of offence proving unsuitable for summary trial - 259 Verify source ↗
Where in the course of a trial it appears to the magistrate
AI-assisted research summary: If a magistrate thinks a case should be tried by the High Court, the magistrate must stop the trial and commit the accused for trial before the High Court.
259. Where in the course of a trial it appears to the magistrate at any stage of the proceedings that the case is one which ought to be tried by the High Court, he shall stop further proceedings and commit the accused person for trial upon information before the High Court, and in that case he shall apply the procedure provided in this Act in relation to committal of accused persons for trial to the High Court. [ s. 242] Committal of Accused Persons by Subordinate Courts to the High Court for Trial (a) Provisions relating to Committal of Accused Persons for Trial to the High Court Power to commit for trial Act No. 12 of 1987 s. 25 - 260 Verify source ↗
(1) Any magistrate may, unless precluded from so doing
AI-assisted research summary: A magistrate may commit a person for trial to the High Court, unless the appointment terms forbid it.
260.–(1) Any magistrate may, unless precluded from so doing by the terms of his appointment, commit any person for trial to the High Court. Cap. 200 Courts to hold committal proceedings (2) Where, at any time during trial before a subordinate court, but procedure on arrest before conviction, the facts of the case reveal that the accused had committed an offence for which he would have been charged under the Economic and Organised Crime Control Act, the magistrate shall stop the proceedings, direct the prosecutor of the case to frame a fresh charge under the appropriate section of the Economic and Organised Crime Control Act, and then proceed to deal with him in accordance with sections 29 and 30 of that Act. [ s. 243] - 261 Verify source ↗
Whenever any charge has been brought against any
AI-assisted research summary: If a person is charged with an offence that is not triable by a subordinate court, or the Director of Public Prosecutions says it should not be dealt with summarily, a subordinate court must hold committal proceedings.
261. Whenever any charge has been brought against any person of an offence not triable by a subordinate court or as to which the court is advised by the Director of Public Prosecutions in writing or otherwise that it is not suitable to be disposed of upon summary trial, committal proceedings shall be held according to the provisions hereinafter contained by a subordinate court of competent jurisdiction. [ s. 244] 190 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Procedure on arrest - 262 Verify source ↗
(1) After a person is arrested or upon the completion
AI-assisted research summary: A person arrested for a High Court-triable offence must be brought to a subordinate court within the time set by section 33, and the magistrate must explain the charges; the accused need not plead then.
262.–(1) After a person is arrested or upon the completion of investigations and the arrest of any person in respect of the commission of an offence triable by the High Court, the person arrested shall be brought within the period prescribed under section 33 of this Act before a subordinate court of competent jurisdiction within whose local limits the arrest was made, together with the charge upon which it is proposed to prosecute him, for him to be dealt with according to law, subject to this Act. (2) Whenever a person is brought before a subordinate court pursuant to subsection (1), the magistrate concerned shall read over and explain to the accused person the charge or charges set out in the charge sheet in respect of which it is proposed to prosecute the accused but the accused person shall not be required to plead or make any reply to the charge. (3) After having read and explained to the accused the charge or charges, the magistrate shall address him in the following words or words to the like effect: “This is not your trial. If it is so decided, you will be tried later in the High Court, and the evidence against you will then be adduced. You will then be able to make your defence and call witnesses on your behalf ”. (4) After a person is committed to remand prison or on bail by a subordinate court or after the investigations have been completed but before the suspect is arrested, the police officer, or other public officer in charge of the relevant criminal investigations under this Act, shall forthwith cause the statements in quintuplicate of persons intended to be called as witnesses at the trial to be properly typed out, conveniently compiled and sent, along with the police case file, to the Director of Public Prosecutions or any other public officer designated by him in that behalf. (5) The Director of Public Prosecutions or that other public officer, after studying the police case file and the statements of the intended witnesses, is of the view that the evidence available is insufficient to warrant the institution of a prosecution, or it is 191 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] otherwise inadvisable to prosecute, he shall, where the accused has already been charged, immediately enter a nolle prosequi unless he has reason to believe that further investigations can change the position, in which case he shall cause further investigations to be carried out. (6) Where the Director of Public Prosecutions or that other public officer, after studying the police case file and the statements of the intended witnesses, decides that the evidence available, or the case as such, warrants putting the suspect on trial, he shall draw up or cause to be drawn up an information in accordance with law and, when signed by him, submit it together with three copies of each of the statements of witnesses sent to him under subsection (4), including any document containing the substance of the evidence of any witness who has not made a written statement. (7) After an information is filed in the High Court, the Registrar shall cause a copy of it to be delivered to the district court where the accused was first presented or within the local limits of which the accused resides. [ s. 245] - 263 Verify source ↗
(1) Upon receipt of the copy of the information and the
AI-assisted research summary: The subordinate court must bring the accused before it, give copies of the information and trial notice, explain the case and prosecution evidence, warn the accused before any statement, and record any statement made.
263.–(1) Upon receipt of the copy of the information and the notice, the subordinate court shall summon the accused person from remand prison or, if not yet arrested, order his arrest and appearance before it and deliver to him or to his counsel a copy of the information and notice of trial delivered to it under subsection (7) of section 262 and commit him for trial by the court; and the committal order shall be sufficient authority for the person in charge of the remand prison concerned to remove the accused person from prison on the specified date and to facilitate his appearance before the court. (2) Upon appearance of the accused person before it, the subordinate court shall read and explain or cause to be read to the accused person the information brought against him as well as the statements or documents containing the substance of the evidence of witnesses whom the Director of Public Prosecutions intends to call at the trial. 192 Committal for trial by court ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (3) After complying with the provision of subsections (1) and (2) the court shall address the accused person in the following words or words to the like effect: “You have now heard the substance of the evidence that the prosecution intends to call at your trial. You may either reserve your defence, which you are at liberty to do, or say anything which you may wish to say relevant to the charge against you. Anything you say will be taken down and may be used in evidence at your trial.” (4) Before the accused person makes any statement, the court shall state to him and make him understand clearly that he has nothing to hope from any promise of favour and nothing to fear from any threat which may have been held out to him to induce him to make any admission or confession of his guilt, but that whatsoever he then says may be given in evidence on his trial notwithstanding the promise or threat. (5) Everything that the accused person says shall be recorded in full and shall be shown or read over to him and he shall be at liberty to explain or add to anything contained in the record thereof. (6) When the record of the statement, if any, made by the accused person is confirmed to be what he declares is the truth, the record shall be attested by the magistrate who shall certify that the statement was taken in his presence and hearing and contains accurately the whole statement made by the accused person; and the accused person shall sign or attest the record by his mark but if he refuses the court shall record his refusal and the record may be used as if the accused had signed or attested it. [ s. 246] Witnesses for prosecution and defence - 264 Verify source ↗
Immediately after complying with the provisions of
AI-assisted research summary: The court must list the prosecution witnesses and ask the accused whether they will call witnesses at trial.
264. Immediately after complying with the provisions of sections 262 and 263, the court shall make a list of all witnesses whom the Director of Public Prosecutions intends to call and shall ask the accused person whether he intends to call witnesses at the trial and, if so, whether he desires to give their 193 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Adjournment of proceedings Accused entitled to copy of proceedings names and addresses so that they may be summoned and if he does, the court shall record the names and addresses of the witness whom the accused mentions. [ s. 247] - 265 Verify source ↗
(1) Where for any reasonable cause, to be recorded in the
AI-assisted research summary: The court may adjourn proceedings and remand an accused person, with limits and conditions.
265.–(1) Where for any reasonable cause, to be recorded in the proceedings, the court considers it necessary or advisable to adjourn the proceedings, it may, from time to time by warrant, remand the accused for a reasonable time, not exceeding fifteen days at any one time, to a prison or any other place of security. (2) Where the remand is for not more than three days, the court may, by word of mouth, order the officer or person in whose custody the accused person is, or any other fit officer or person, to continue to keep the accused in his custody and to bring him up at the time appointed for the commencement or continuance of the inquiry. (3) During a remand, a court may at any time order the accused to be brought up before it. (4) Subject to the provisions of section 151 the court may admit an accused on remand to bail. [ s. 248] - 266 Verify source ↗
(1) A person who has been committed for trial before the
AI-assisted research summary: A person committed for trial before the High Court is entitled to a free copy of the committal record before trial, and the court must tell the accused about that right when committing them for trial.
266.–(1) A person who has been committed for trial before the High Court shall be entitled at any time before the trial to have a copy of the record of the committal proceedings without payment. (2) The court shall, at the time of committing him for trial, inform the accused person of his right to a copy of the record of committal proceedings without payment. (3) Every record of the proceedings supplied to the accused pursuant to this section shall contain a copy of the charge or charges, copies of the statements and documents produced to the court during the committal proceedings and a copy of the record of the proceedings before the court. [ s. 249] 194 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Court may bind witness to appear at trial Refusal to be bound over Taking deposition of person dangerously ill or unable to attend trial - 267 Verify source ↗
(1) A prosecutor may, at any time during the trial before
AI-assisted research summary: A prosecutor may ask the High Court to summon a person to give evidence or produce documents, and the court must summon that person and may bind them by recognizance to attend trial.
267.–(1) A prosecutor may, at any time during the trial before the High Court, apply to the court to summon any person whose attendance may be required at the trial to give evidence or to produce any document and to bind such person to appear at the trial. (2) Upon an application being made under subsection (1), the court shall summon the person in respect of whom the application is made to appear before it and, when he so appears, the court shall bind him by recognisance with or without sureties as it may deem requisite to appear at the trial in compliance with any summons issued in accordance with section 281. [ s. 250] - 268 Verify source ↗
Where a person required to enter into recognisance
AI-assisted research summary: If a person who must enter into recognisance under section 267 refuses, the court may keep them in prison or court custody until the trial or other disposal of the case, unless they enter into recognisance first.
268. Where a person required to enter into recognisance under section 267 refuses to enter into such recognisance, the court may commit him to prison or into the custody of any other officer of the court, there to remain until such time as the trial has taken place or the case against the accused is otherwise disposed of, unless in the meantime he enters into recognisance as required by the court. [ s. 251] (b) Preservation of Testimony in Certain Cases - 269 Verify source ↗
Where it appears to a magistrate that any person who is
AI-assisted research summary: A court may take a written statement from a seriously ill or unavailable witness, and the magistrate must certify and file it.
269. Where it appears to a magistrate that any person who is seriously ill or hurt and not likely to recover or who, for any other reason whatsoever, may not be available to give evidence at the trial but is able and willing to give material evidence relating to any offence, the court may take in writing his statement on oath or affirmation and shall subscribe the same and certify that it contains accurately the whole of the statement made by him; and the magistrate recording the statement shall certify his reason for recording it and shall state the date and place when and where it was taken, preserve the statement and file it for record: Provided that, where the statement is that of a person who, by reason of immature age or want of religious belief ought 195 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Notice to be given Opportunity for cross- examination and transmission of statements Use of statements in evidence not, in the opinion of the magistrate, to be sworn or affirmed, the statement may be taken without oath or affirmation. [ s. 252] - 270 Verify source ↗
(1) Where any person is under a charge or has been
AI-assisted research summary: Reasonable notice must be given to the prosecutor and the accused person before a statement is taken.
270.–(1) Where any person is under a charge or has been committed for trial in respect of the offence to which a statement referred to in section 269 is expected to relate, in sections 272 and 276 referred to as “the accused person”, reasonable notice shall be given of intention to take that statement both to the prosecutor and to that person. (2) Where the person is in custody, he may, and shall, if he so requests, be brought by the officer in whose charge he is, under an order in writing of the magistrate, to the place where the statement is to be taken. [ s. 253] - 271 Verify source ↗
Where the statement is taken in the presence of an accused
AI-assisted research summary: If a statement is taken in the accused person’s presence, the accused or their advocate, and the prosecutor if present, must be allowed to question the deponent. If the accused is committed for trial, the statement must be sent to the Registrar of the High Court and a copy to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
271. Where the statement is taken in the presence of an accused person, the person or his advocate, the prosecutor also if he is present, shall be given an opportunity to put questions to the deponent and the answers of the deponent shall form part of the statement; and, if the accused person is committed for trial, the statement shall be transmitted to the Registrar of the High Court and a copy thereof to the Director of Public Prosecutions. [ s. 254] - 272 Verify source ↗
(1) A statement made under section 269 and duly
AI-assisted research summary: A statement made under section 269 can be admitted in evidence at trial if it is duly subscribed and certified by the magistrate and certain conditions about the maker’s unavailability and the accused’s notice and chance to cross-examine are met.
272.–(1) A statement made under section 269 and duly subscribed and certified by the magistrate in the manner required by that section shall, without further proof, be admissible in evidence at any trial, whether before the High Court or a subordinate court in which the accused person is charged with the offence to which the statement relates where- (a) the court is satisfied that the person who made the statement is dead, or that his attendance cannot be procured without an amount of delay, expense or inconvenience which, in the circumstances of the case, would be unreasonable; and 196 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (b) the accused received notice of the court to take the statement has been provided in section 270 and had, or might have had if he had chosen to be present, full opportunity of cross-examining the deponent. (2) Where any case in the court of which such statement has been admitted in evidence is finally disposed of, the statement shall be returned to the magistrate who recorded it for filing in accordance with the provisions of section 269. Cap. 6 (3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting the provisions of section 34 of the Evidence Act. [ s. 255] Transmission of records to High Court Trial by resident magistrate with extended jurisdiction Act No. 17 of 1996 Sch. (c) Proceedings after Committal for Trial - 273 Verify source ↗
Where an accused person has been committed for
AI-assisted research summary: If an accused person has been committed for trial, the committing court must send the committal record to the Registrar of the High Court without delay and send authenticated copies of the charge and proceedings to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
273. Where an accused person has been committed for trial, the record of committal proceedings, duly signed and authenticated by the magistrate, shall be transmitted without delay by the committing court to the Registrar of the High Court and authenticated copies of the charge and proceedings shall be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions. [ s. 256] - 274 Verify source ↗
(1) The High Court may direct that the taking of a plea
AI-assisted research summary: The High Court may transfer plea-taking and trial to a resident magistrate with extended jurisdiction.
274.–(1) The High Court may direct that the taking of a plea and the trial of an accused person committed for trial by the High court, be transferred to, and be conducted by a resident magistrate upon whom extended jurisdiction has been granted under subsection (1) of section 179. (2) For avoidance of doubt, any proceedings or decision conducted or made by a resident magistrate with extended jurisdiction, prior to the coming into, effect of the provisions of this subsection, shall be deemed to have been conducted or made in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1) of this section. (3) The provisions of this Act which govern the exercise by the High Court of its original jurisdiction shall, mutatis mutandis, and to the extent that they are relevant, govern proceedings before a resident magistrate under this section in 197 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Notice of trial Copy of information and notice of trial to be served the same manner as they govern like proceedings before the High Court. [ s. 256A] - 275 Verify source ↗
After receipt of the copies of the record of committal
AI-assisted research summary: After the committal record is received, the Registrar or deputy must add a notice of trial to each relevant information and copy served for the accused person’s trial.
275. After receipt of the copies of the record of committal proceedings in the High Court the Registrar or his deputy shall endorse or annex to every information filed and to every copy of it delivered to the officer of the court or police officer for service, a notice of trial which shall specify the particular sessions of the High Court at which the accused person is to be tried on the information, and which shall be in the following form or as near thereto as may be: “A.B. Take notice that you will be tried in the information whereof this is a true copy at the sessions of the High Court to be held at ......................... on the ........................ day of .................... - 276 Verify source ↗
The Registrar shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the
AI-assisted research summary: The Registrar and the serving officer must pass trial papers to the accused, with the documents delivered at least three days before trial and explained to the accused.
276. The Registrar shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the officer of the court or police officer serving the information a copy thereof with the notice of trial endorsed on or annexed thereto and, if there are more accused persons committed for trial than one, as many copies as there are accused persons; and the officer of the court or police officer shall, as soon as may be after having received the copy or copies of the information and the notice or notices of trial and three days at least before the day specified therein for trial, by himself or his deputy or other officer, deliver to the accused person or persons committed for trial the said copy or copies of the information and notice or notices, and explain to him or them the nature and exigency thereof; and when any accused person has been admitted to bail and cannot readily be found, he shall leave a copy of the information and notice of trial with someone of his household for him at his dwelling house or with someone of his bail for him, and if none such can be found, shall affix the copy and 198 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] notice to the outer or principal door of the dwelling house or dwelling houses of the accused person or of any of his bail: Provided that, nothing herein shall prevent any person committed for trial, and in custody at the opening of or during any sessions to be so tried thereat if he gives his consent and no special objection is made on the part of the Republic. [ s. 258] Returns of service - 277 Verify source ↗
The officer serving the copy or copies of the information
AI-assisted research summary: The officer who serves the trial papers must promptly return proof of service to the registrar.
277. The officer serving the copy or copies of the information and notice or notices of trial shall forthwith make to the registrar a return of the service made. [ s. 259] Postponement of trial - 278 Verify source ↗
(1) It shall be lawful for the High Court upon the
AI-assisted research summary: The High Court may postpone an accused person’s trial if the prosecutor or accused applies and the court finds sufficient cause for delay.
278.–(1) It shall be lawful for the High Court upon the application of the prosecutor or the accused person, if the court considers that there is sufficient cause for the delay, to postpone the trial of any accused person to the next session of the court held in the district or at some other convenient place, or to a subsequent session. (2) The High Court may give such directions of the amendment of information and the service of any notices as the court may deem necessary in consequence of any order made under subsection (1). [ s. 260] Information to be signed by Director of Public Prosecutions - 279 Verify source ↗
All information drawn up in pursuance of section 275
AI-assisted research summary: Information prepared under section 275 must be signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, subject to section 93.
279. All information drawn up in pursuance of section 275 shall be in the name of and, subject to the provisions of section 93, signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions. [ s. 261] Form of information - 280 Verify source ↗
Every information shall bear the date of the day when it
AI-assisted research summary: Every information must bear the date it is signed. It may also begin in the stated form, with necessary changes for each case.
280. Every information shall bear the date of the day when it is signed and, with such modifications as shall be necessary to adapt it to the circumstances of each case, may commence in the following form: “In the High Court of Tanzania The........................................day of .................................. 20......... At the sessions held at ................ on the .......... day of. ............ 199 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Witnesses to be summoned - 20 Verify source ↗
the Court is informed by the Director of Public
AI-assisted research summary: The Court is informed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, on behalf of the United Republic, that A.B. is charged with offence(s).
20........ the Court is informed by the Director of Public Prosecutions on behalf of the United Republic that A.B. is charged with the following offence (or offences)”. [ s. 262] - 281 Verify source ↗
The Registrar of the High Court shall, before the
AI-assisted research summary: The Registrar of the High Court must issue summons before trial for certain witnesses to attend.
281. The Registrar of the High Court shall, before the commencement of the trial, issue summons for the attendance of the trial of all witnesses whose statements were produced during the Committal proceedings and all witnesses whose names and addresses were given to the committing magistrate by the accused. [ s. 263] PART VIII PROCEDURE IN TRIALS BEFORE THE HIGH COURT (a) Practice and the Mode of Trial Practice of High Court in its criminal jurisdiction
Part
PART VIII
- 282 Verify source ↗
The High Court may, subject to the provisions of this Act
AI-assisted research summary: The High Court may regulate its own practice when exercising criminal jurisdiction, but only subject to this Act and other written laws.
282. The High Court may, subject to the provisions of this Act and any other written laws, regulate its own practice in the exercise of its criminal jurisdiction. [ s. 264] Proceedings which may require assessors Act No. 1 of 2022 s. 30 - 283 Verify source ↗
(1) The High Court may, where it considers necessary
AI-assisted research summary: The High Court may sit with at least two assessors, may use amicus curiae in criminal proceedings, and the Chief Justice may make rules for amicus curiae procedure.
283.–(1) The High Court may, where it considers necessary for the interest of justice, sit with not less than two assessors provided that in deciding the matter, the judge shall not be bound by the opinions of the assessors. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the High Court may, in any criminal proceedings, use the assistance of amicus curiae to furnish it with information or advice regarding any questions of law or fact. (3) The Chief Justice may make rules prescribing the procedure in matters involving amicus curiae. [ s. 265] 200 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Liability to serve as assessor (b) Assessors - 284 Verify source ↗
(1) Subject to the exemptions under the provisions of
AI-assisted research summary: People aged 21 to 60 can be required to serve as assessors, subject to stated exemptions and disqualification rules. The High Court must also make rules about the area from which assessors may be summoned.
284.–(1) Subject to the exemptions under the provisions of section 285 and subsection (3) of this section, all persons between the ages of twenty one and sixty years shall be liable to serve as assessors. (2) The High Court shall from time to time make rules regulating the area within which a person may be summoned to serve as an assessor. (3) A person shall be disqualified to serve as an assessor if he was convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment exceeding six months for an offence involving moral turpitude. (4) Proceedings shall not be invalid only by the reason that any of the assessors was disqualified or exempt from serving as an assessor. [ s. 266] Exemptions - 285 Verify source ↗
The following persons are exempt from liability to serve
AI-assisted research summary: Several listed groups are exempt from liability to serve as assessors.
285. The following persons are exempt from liability to serve as assessors, namely- Cap. 33 (a) Ministers and members of National Assembly; (b) judges and magistrates; (c) persons actively discharging the duties of priests or ministers of their respective religions; (d) physicians, surgeons, dentists and apothecaries in actual practice; (e) legal practitioners in actual practice; (f) officers and men in the Armed Forces of the United Republic; (g) persons exempted from personal appearance in court under the provisions of the Civil Procedure Code or any rules made thereunder; (h) persons disabled by mental or bodily infirmity; (i) officers of the Police and Prisons services; or (j) such other officers of the Government and such persons as may be exempted by the Chief Justice from liability to serve. [ s. 267] 201 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] No exemption by sex or marriage from liability to serve as assessor Summoning of assessors - 286 Verify source ↗
A person shall not be exempted by sex or marriage from
AI-assisted research summary: A person cannot be excused from serving as an assessor because of sex or marriage; however, a judge or magistrate may order all-male or all-female assessors, or exempt a woman from assessor service in a case, in the stated circumstances.
286. A person shall not be exempted by sex or marriage from liability to serve as an assessor but any judge or magistrate may, in his discretion on an application made by or on behalf of the prosecution or the accused or at his own instance, make an order that the assessors shall be composed of men only or of women only, as the case may require or may, on an application made by a woman to be exempted from service as an assessor in respect of any case by reason of the nature of the evidence to be given or of the issues to be tried, grant such exemption. [ s. 268] (c) Attendance of Assessors - 287 Verify source ↗
(1) The Registrar of the High Court shall, ordinarily
AI-assisted research summary: The Registrar of the High Court must normally direct a resident or district magistrate to summon assessors at least 14 days before the High Court sessions, and the magistrate must comply.
287.–(1) The Registrar of the High Court shall, ordinarily not less than fourteen days before the day fixed for holding any sessions of the High Court, direct a resident or district magistrate for the time being exercising jurisdiction in the district in which the sessions are to be held to summon such number of persons to serve as assessors at the said sessions as to the Registrar may appear necessary, and the magistrate shall comply with the direction accordingly. (2) Where in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1), a resident or district magistrate is directed to summon assessors, he shall select and summon persons whom he considers to be suitable and to be liable under section 284 to serve as assessors. (3) Subject to the provisions of subsections (1) and (2), a resident or district magistrate if so directed by the Registrar may delegate such selection to an administrative officer having jurisdiction in the same district or region. [ s. 269] Form of summons - 288 Verify source ↗
Every summons to an assessor shall be in writing and
AI-assisted research summary: A summons to an assessor must be in writing and must state the time and place for attendance.
288. Every summons to an assessor shall be in writing and shall require his attendance at a time and place to be specified therein. [ s. 270] 202 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Objections to summons to serve as assessor - 289 Verify source ↗
(1) A person who has been served with a summons
AI-assisted research summary: A person served with a summons may quickly go before a district or resident magistrate to object if they think they are not liable to serve as an assessor.
289.–(1) A person who has been served with a summons issued under section 287 may, if he is of the opinion that he is not liable under section 285 to serve as an assessor, appear without delay before a district or resident magistrate prior to the date when he is required by summons to attend and object to the summons and if the magistrate is satisfied that the said person is not liable to serve as an assessor, he shall thereupon rescind the summons and discharge him from attendance. (2) Appearance before a district or resident magistrate under the provisions of subsection (1) shall be by the person objecting personally except in the case of a person objecting under the provisions of paragraph (g) of section 285 in which case a person who satisfies the magistrate that he is duly authorised to appear may appear on his behalf. [ s. 271] Excuses from attendance - 290 Verify source ↗
The High Court may, for reasonable cause, excuse any
AI-assisted research summary: The High Court may excuse an assessor from attending particular sessions for reasonable cause and may stop trial assessors from being summoned again for 12 months.
290. The High Court may, for reasonable cause, excuse any assessor from attendance at any particular sessions and may, if it shall think fit, at the conclusion of any trial, direct that the assessors who have served at the trial shall not be summoned to serve again for the period of twelve months. [ s. 272] List of assessors attending - 291 Verify source ↗
At each session the High Court shall cause to be made a
AI-assisted research summary: At each session, the High Court must have a list made of the names of assessors who attended.
291. At each session the High Court shall cause to be made a list of the names of those who have attended as assessors at the sessions. [ s. 273] Penalty for non- attendance of assessors - 292 Verify source ↗
(1) A person summoned to attend as an assessor who,
AI-assisted research summary: An assessor who is summoned must attend as required, must not leave without High Court permission, and may be fined up to 500 shillings for non-compliance.
292.–(1) A person summoned to attend as an assessor who, without lawful excuse, fails to attend as required by the summons or who, having attended, departs without having obtained the permission of the High Court, or fails to attend after adjournment of the court after being ordered to attend, shall be liable by order of the High Court to a fine not exceeding five hundred shillings. (2) The fine imposed under subsection (1) shall be levied by the district or resident magistrate on movable property 203 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] belonging to the assessor within the local limits of jurisdiction of the magistrate. (3) For good cause shown, the High Court may remit or reduce any fine imposed under subsection (1). (4) In default of recovery of the fine by attachment and sale an assessor may, by order of the High Court, be imprisoned as a civil prisoner for a term of fifteen days unless the fine is paid before the end of that period. [ s. 274] (d) Arraignment - 293 Verify source ↗
(1) The accused person to be tried before the High Court
AI-assisted research summary: Before a High Court trial on an information, the accused is to be brought before the bar unfettered unless the court orders otherwise, the information must be read and, if needed, explained or interpreted, and the accused must plead right away.
293.–(1) The accused person to be tried before the High Court upon an information shall be placed at the bar unfettered, unless the court shall see cause otherwise to order, and the information shall be read over to him by the Registrar or other officer of the court, and explained, if need be, by that officer or interpreted by the interpreter of the court and he shall be required to plead instantly thereto, unless, where the accused person is entitled to service of a copy of the information, he objects to the want of such service, and the court shall find that he has not been duly served therewith. (2) After the accused has pleaded to the charge read to him in court under this section, the court shall obtain from him his permanent address and shall record and keep it. [ s. 275] - 294 Verify source ↗
(1) Every objection to any formal defect on the face of an
AI-assisted research summary: Objections to formal defects in an information must be made immediately after it is read to the accused; the court may amend a defective information, order separate trials, or postpone trial in some cases.
294.–(1) Every objection to any formal defect on the face of an information shall be taken immediately after the information has been read over to the accused person and not later. (2) Where before a trial upon information or at any stage of the trial it appears to the court that the information is defective, the court shall make an order for the amendment of the information as it thinks necessary to meet the circumstances of the case, unless, having regard to the merits of the case, the required amendment cannot be made without injustice; and 204 Pleading to information Act No. 4 of 1991 Sch. Orders for amendment of information, separate trial and postponement of trial ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] all such amendments shall be made upon such terms as the court shall seem just. (3) Where an information is amended, a note of the order for amendment shall be endorsed on the information and the information shall be treated for the purposes of all proceedings in connection therewith as having been filed in the amended form. (4) Where, before a trial upon information or at any stage of such trial, the court is of the opinion that the accused may be prejudiced or embarrassed in his defence by reason of being charged with more than one offence in the same information, or that for any reason it is desirable to direct that the accused should be tried separately for any one or more offences charged in an information, the court may order a separate trial on any count or counts of such information. (5) Where, before a trial upon information or at any stage of such trial, the court is of the opinion that the postponement of the trial of the accused is expedient as a consequence of the exercise of any power of the court under this Act, the court shall make such order as to the postponement of the trial as appears necessary. (6) Where an order of the court is made under this section for a separate trial or for postponement of a trial- (a) the court may order that the assessors are to be discharged from giving opinions on the count or counts the trial of which is postponed, or on the information, as the case may be; (b) the procedure on the separate trial of a count shall be the same in all respects as if the count had been founded in a separate information, and the procedure in the postponed trial shall be the same in all respects, provided that, the assessors, if any, have been discharged, as if the trial had not commenced; and (c) the court may make such order as to admitting the accused to bail and as to the enlargement of recognisances and otherwise as the court thinks fit. 205 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Quashing of information (7) Any power of the court under this section shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any other power of the court for the same or similar purposes. [ s. 276] - 295 Verify source ↗
(1) Where an information does not state, and cannot,
AI-assisted research summary: A charge may be quashed if it does not state an offence the accused had notice of and cannot be amended to do so; any related motion must be put in writing and delivered to the court registrar.
295.–(1) Where an information does not state, and cannot, by an amendment authorised by section 294, be made to state any offence of which the accused has had notice, it shall be quashed either on a motion made before the accused pleads or on a motion made in arrest of judgment. (2) A written statement of every motion under subsection (1) shall be delivered to the Registrar or other officer of the court by or on behalf of the accused and shall be entered upon the record. [s. 277] Procedure in case of previous convictions - 296 Verify source ↗
(1) Subject to subsection (2), where an information
AI-assisted research summary: This section controls when a court may ask about a prior conviction and when the prior-conviction part of the information may be read in court.
296.–(1) Subject to subsection (2), where an information contains a count charging an accused person with having been previously convicted of any offence, the procedure shall be as follows- (a) the part of the information stating the previous conviction shall not be read out in court, nor shall the accused be asked whether he has been previously convicted as alleged in the information, unless and until he has either pleaded guilty to or been convicted of the subsequent offence; (b) where he pleads guilty to or is convicted of the subsequent offence, he shall then be asked whether he has been previously convicted as alleged in the information; and (c) where he answers that he has been previously convicted, the judge may proceed to pass sentence on him accordingly; but if he denies that he has been so previously convicted, or refuses to or does not answer such question, the court shall then hear evidence concerning such previous conviction. 206 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (2) Where upon the trial of an accused person for a subsequent offence, he gives evidence of his own good character, it shall be lawful for the advocate for the prosecution, in answer thereto, to give evidence of the conviction of such person for the previous offence or offences before he is convicted of the subsequent offence, and the court shall inquire concerning such previous conviction or convictions at the same time that it inquires into the subsequent offence. [s. 278] Plea of “not guilty” - 297 Verify source ↗
Every accused person upon being arraigned upon any
AI-assisted research summary: An accused person who is arraigned on an information and pleads not guilty is deemed to have put himself on trial.
297. Every accused person upon being arraigned upon any information by pleading generally thereto the plea of “not guilty” shall, without further form, be deemed to have put himself upon his trial. [ s. 279] Plea of autrefois acquit and autrefois convict - 298 Verify source ↗
(1) An accused person upon whom an information is
AI-assisted research summary: An accused person charged by information may plead prior conviction, acquittal, or pardon; if the prosecution disputes the plea, the court must decide whether it is true, and if the plea fails the accused must then plead to the information.
298.–(1) An accused person upon whom an information is filed may plead- (a) that he has been previously convicted or acquitted, as the case may be, of the same offence; or (b) that he has obtained a pardon at law for his offence. (2) Where either of any plea referred to in subsection (1) is pleaded in any case and disputed by the prosecution to be true in fact, the court shall try whether such plea is true in fact or not. (3) Where the court holds that the facts alleged by the accused do not prove the plea, or finds that it is false in fact, the accused shall be required to plead to the information. [ s. 280] - 299 Verify source ↗
(1) Where any accused person being arraigned upon
AI-assisted research summary: If an accused person cannot or will not answer when arraigned, the court may have a not-guilty plea entered, assess mental soundness, and take further steps depending on the result.
299.–(1) Where any accused person being arraigned upon any information stands mute of malice, or neither will, nor by reason of infirmity can, answer directly to the information, the court if it thinks fit, shall order the Registrar or other officer of the court to enter a plea of “not guilty” on behalf of such accused person, and the plea so entered shall have the same force and effect as if the accused person had actually pleaded 207 Refusal to plead ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] the same, or else the court shall thereupon proceed to try whether the accused person is of sound or unsound mind, and, if he is found to be of sound mind, shall proceed with the trial, and if he is found to be of unsound mind and consequently incapable of making his defence, shall order the trial to be postponed, and the accused person to be kept meanwhile in safe custody in such place and manner as the court thinks fit and shall transmit the court record to the Attorney General for consideration by the Minister; and the Minister may order the accused person to be detained in a mental hospital or other suitable place of safe custody. (2) Any subsequent proceedings in relation to the accused person shall be regulated by sections 233 and 234 of this Act. [s. 281] Plea of “guilty” - 300 Verify source ↗
Where the accused person pleads “guilty”, the plea shall
AI-assisted research summary: If the accused person pleads guilty, the plea is recorded and conviction may follow.
300. Where the accused person pleads “guilty”, the plea shall be recorded and he may be convicted thereon. [s. 282] Proceedings after plea of “not guilty” - 301 Verify source ↗
Where the accused person pleads “not guilty” or if the
AI-assisted research summary: If the accused pleads not guilty, the court must choose assessors and try the case.
301. Where the accused person pleads “not guilty” or if the plea of “not guilty” is entered in accordance with the provisions of section 299, the court shall proceed to choose assessors, as provided in section 304, and to try the case. [s. 283] Power to postpone or adjourn proceedings - 302 Verify source ↗
(1) Where, from the absence of witnesses or any other
AI-assisted research summary: The court may delay or adjourn a trial, remand the accused to custody, bring the accused before it during remand, and admit the accused to bail.
302.–(1) Where, from the absence of witnesses or any other reasonable cause to be recorded in the proceedings, the court considers it necessary or advisable to postpone the commencement of or to adjourn any trial, the court may from time to time postpone or adjourn the trial on such terms as it thinks fit for such time as it considers reasonable and may, by warrant, remand the accused to a prison or other place of security. (2) During a remand the court may at any time order the accused to be brought before it. (3) The court may on remand admit the accused to bail. [s. 284] 208 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Abatement of trial before High Court Act No. 9 of 2002 Sch. Rules regarding selection of assessors Act No. 1 of 2022 s. 31 Absence of assessor - 303 Verify source ↗
Every trial before the High Court shall abate on the death
AI-assisted research summary: A High Court trial must abate if the accused person dies.
303. Every trial before the High Court shall abate on the death of the accused person. [s. 284A] (e) Selection of Assessors - 304 Verify source ↗
(1) The Chief Justice may make rules prescribing the
AI-assisted research summary: The Chief Justice may make rules about how assessors are selected.
304.–(1) The Chief Justice may make rules prescribing the procedure of selection of assessors. (2) The rules made under subsection (1) may prescribe- (a) qualification of assessors and their selection; (b) procedure for summing-up of evidence to the assessors; and (c) procedure for delivery of opinion by assessors. [ s. 285] - 305 Verify source ↗
Where, in the course of a trial with the aid of assessors but
AI-assisted research summary: If an assessor cannot continue in a trial and cannot be immediately compelled to attend, the trial may continue with the remaining assessors, provided there are at least two; they are treated as properly constituted and may return a verdict by unanimity or majority.
305. Where, in the course of a trial with the aid of assessors but at any time before they state their opinions any assessor is, from any sufficient cause, prevented from attending throughout the trial or absents himself and it is not practicable immediately to enforce his attendance, the trial shall proceed before the remaining assessors but if only they are not less than two in number; and where the trial so proceeds the remaining assessors shall be deemed in all respects to be properly constituted for the purpose of the trial and shall have power to return a verdict accordingly whether unanimous or by majority. [ s. 286] Assessors to attend at adjourned sittings - 306 Verify source ↗
Where the trial is adjourned, the assessors shall be required
AI-assisted research summary: If the trial is adjourned, the assessors must attend the adjourned sitting and any later sitting until the trial ends.
306. Where the trial is adjourned, the assessors shall be required to attend at the adjourned sitting and at any subsequent sitting until the conclusion of the trial. [ s. 287] (f) Case for the Prosecution Opening case for prosecution - 307 Verify source ↗
Where the assessors have been chosen, the advocate for
AI-assisted research summary: If assessors have been chosen, the advocate for the prosecution must open the case against the accused person and present prosecution witnesses and evidence.
307. Where the assessors have been chosen, the advocate for the prosecution shall open the case against the accused person and shall call witnesses and adduce evidence in support of the charge. [ s. 288] 209 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Additional witnesses for prosecution Act No. 1 of 2020 s. 8 - 308 Verify source ↗
(1) A witness whose statement or substance of evidence
AI-assisted research summary: If a witness’s statement or substance of evidence was not read at committal proceedings, the prosecution may call that witness at trial only after giving reasonable written notice to the accused person or their advocate, unless the prosecution first learned of the evidence on the day the witness is called.
308.–(1) A witness whose statement or substance of evidence was not read at committal proceedings shall not be called by the prosecution at the trial unless the prosecution has given a reasonable notice in writing to the accused person or his advocate of the intention to call such witness. (2) The notice shall state the name and address of the witness and the substance of the evidence which he intends to give. (3) The court shall determine what notice is reasonable, regard being had to the time when and the circumstances under which the prosecution became acquainted with the nature of the witness’s evidence and determined to call him as a witness; but no such notice need be given if the prosecution first became aware of the evidence which the witness would give on the date on which he is called. (4) For the purpose of this section, “substance of evidence” includes substance contained in a document, record or any other tangible object. [ s. 289] Cross- examination of witnesses for prosecution - 309 Verify source ↗
The witnesses called for the prosecution shall be subject
AI-assisted research summary: Prosecution witnesses may be cross-examined by the accused person or their advocate, and then re-examined by the prosecution advocate.
309. The witnesses called for the prosecution shall be subject to cross-examination by the accused person or his advocate and to re-examination by the advocate for the prosecution. [ s. 290] Statements by medical witnesses - 310 Verify source ↗
(1) In any trial before the High Court, any document
AI-assisted research summary: In High Court trials, a medical witness’s signed report may be received as evidence if prior notice and a copy are given to the accused or their advocate.
310.–(1) In any trial before the High Court, any document purporting to be a report signed by a medical witness upon a purely medical or surgical matter, shall be receivable in evidence save that this subsection shall not apply unless reasonable notice of the intention to produce the document at the trial, together with a copy of the document, has been given to the accused or his advocate. (2) The court may presume that the signature to any such document is genuine and that the person signing it holds the office or had the qualifications which he professed to hold or to have when he signed it. (3) Where the evidence is received by the court, the court may, if it thinks fit, and shall, if so requested by the accused 210 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Statement of evidence of accused Close of case for prosecution Act No. 13 of 1988 Sch. or his advocate, summon and examine or make available for cross-examination, the person who made the report; and the court shall inform the accused of his right to require the person who made the report to be summoned in accordance with the provisions of this subsection. (4) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (3), the court may dispense with the requirement of this subsection where it is satisfied that the person who made the report is dead or that his attendance cannot be procured without undue delay or expense. [ s. 291] - 311 Verify source ↗
Any statement of the accused person duly certified by the
AI-assisted research summary: A statement of the accused person certified by the committing magistrate may be used in evidence without further proof, unless it is shown that the magistrate did not actually certify it.
311. Any statement of the accused person duly certified by the committing magistrate in the manner provided by section 263 may, whether signed by the accused person or not, be given in evidence without further proof thereof, unless it is proved that the magistrate purporting to certify the same did not in fact certify it. [ s. 292] - 312 Verify source ↗
(1) Where the evidence of the witnesses for the
AI-assisted research summary: After the prosecution case closes, the court must decide whether to acquit or to put the accused on defence, and it must tell the accused about the right to testify and call witnesses.
312.–(1) Where the evidence of the witnesses for the prosecution has been concluded, and the statement, if any, of the accused person before the committing court has been given in evidence, the court, if it considers after hearing the advocates for the prosecution and for the defence, that there is no evidence that the accused or any one of several accused committed the offence or any other offence of which, under the provisions of sections 319 to 328 of this Act he is liable to be convicted, shall record a finding of not guilty. (2) Where the evidence of the witnesses for the prosecution has been concluded and the statement, if any, of the accused person before the committing court has been given in evidence, the court, if it considers that there is evidence that the accused person committed the offence or any other offence of which, under the provisions of sections 319 to 328 he is liable to be convicted, shall inform the accused person of his right- (a) to give evidence on his own behalf; and 211 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (b) to call witnesses in his defence, and shall then ask the accused person or his advocate if it is intended to exercise any of those rights and record the answer; and thereafter the court shall call on the accused person to enter on his defence save where he does not wish to exercise either of those rights. (3) Where the accused person, after he has been informed in terms of subsection (2), elects to remain silent the court shall be entitled to draw an adverse inference against him and the court as well as the prosecution shall be permitted to comment on the failure by the accused to give evidence. (4) Notwithstanding that the accused person accepts or gives any evidence not on oath or affirmation he shall be subject to cross-examination by the prosecution. [ s. 293] (g) Case for the Defence - 313 Verify source ↗
(1) The accused person or his advocate may then open
AI-assisted research summary: The accused person or his advocate may open the defence case, the accused person may give evidence, and either the accused person or his advocate may examine witnesses and sum up the case.
313.–(1) The accused person or his advocate may then open his case stating the fact or law on which he intends to rely, and making such comments as he thinks necessary on the evidence for the prosecution. (2) The accused person may then give evidence on his own behalf and he or his advocate may examine his witnesses, if any, and after their cross-examination or re-examination, if any, may sum up his case. [ s. 294] - 314 Verify source ↗
(1) In addition to the witnesses summoned pursuant to
AI-assisted research summary: The accused may examine witnesses at trial and can ask for defence witnesses to be summoned in limited circumstances.
314.–(1) In addition to the witnesses summoned pursuant to the provisions of section 281 the accused shall be allowed to examine any witness who is in attendance at the trial. (2) The accused person shall not be entitled as of right to have any witness summoned other than the witnesses whose names and address were given by him to the magistrate at the committal proceedings but any subordinate court may, after committal for trial and before the trial begins, and the court 212 Case for defence Additional witnesses for defence ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] of trial may, either before or during the trial, issue a summons for the attendance of any person as a witness for the defence if the court is satisfied that the evidence is in any way material to the case. [ s. 295] Prosecutor’s reply - 315 Verify source ↗
Where the person, or any one of several accused persons,
AI-assisted research summary: If an accused person gives evidence, the prosecutor is entitled to reply, subject to section 215.
315. Where the person, or any one of several accused persons, adduces any evidence, the prosecutor shall be entitled to reply subject to the provisions of section 215. [ s. 296] Where accused person does not give evidence - 316 Verify source ↗
Where the accused person says that he does not wish to
AI-assisted research summary: If the accused says they do not want to give evidence and the court sees evidence of the offence, the prosecution sums up and the court calls on the accused to address the court.
316. Where the accused person says that he does not wish to give or adduce evidence and the court considers that there is evidence that he committed the offence, the advocate for the prosecution shall then sum up the case against the accused person and the court shall then call on the accused person, personally or by his advocate, to address the court. [ s. 297] Delivery of opinion by assessors and giving of judgment (h) Close of Hearing - 317 Verify source ↗
(1) Where the case on both sides is closed, the judge may
AI-assisted research summary: When the case is closed on both sides, the judge may sum up the evidence, must ask each assessor for an oral opinion and record it, then must give judgment; if the accused is convicted, the judge must pass sentence according to law.
317.–(1) Where the case on both sides is closed, the judge may sum up the evidence for the prosecution and the defence and shall then require each of the assessors to state his opinion orally as to the case generally and as to any specific question of fact addressed to him by the judge, and record the opinion. (2) The judge shall then give judgment, but, in doing so, shall not be bound to conform to the opinions of the assessors. (3) Where the accused person is convicted, the judge shall pass sentence on him according to law. (4) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting the assessors, or any of them, from retiring to consider their opinions if they so wish or, during any such retirement or at any time during the trial, from consultation with one another. [ s. 298] 213 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Conviction where proceedings heard partly by one judge and partly by another Act No. 1 of 2022 s. 32 Where offence proved is included in offence charged - 318 Verify source ↗
(1) Where any judge, after having heard and recorded the
AI-assisted research summary: If a judge cannot finish a trial, another judge with jurisdiction may take over and continue it, rely on the recorded evidence, and if needed re-summon and re-hear witnesses.
318.–(1) Where any judge, after having heard and recorded the whole or any part of the evidence in any trial, is for any reason unable to complete the trial or he is unable to complete the trial within a reasonable time, another judge who has and who exercises jurisdiction may take over and continue the trial and the judge so taking over may act on the evidence or proceedings recorded by his predecessor, and may, in the case of a trial, and if he considers it necessary, re-summon the witnesses and re- commence the trial, demand that the witnesses or any of them be re-summoned and re-heard and shall be informed of such right by the second judge when he commences proceedings. (2) Nothing in subsection (1) shall be construed as preventing a judge who has recorded the whole of the evidence in any trial and who, before passing judgment and forwarding the record of the proceedings together with the judgment to the judge who has succeeded him, the judgment to be read over and, in the case of conviction, for the sentence to be passed by such other judge. [ s. 299] PART IX CONVICTIONS, JUDGMENTS, SENTENCES AND THEIR EXECUTION IN THE SUBORDINATE COURTS AND HIGH COURT A. - Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to Convictions
Part
PART IX
- 319 Verify source ↗
(1) Where a person is charged with an offence
AI-assisted research summary: A person charged with an offence may be convicted of a minor offence in certain proof-based situations.
319.–(1) Where a person is charged with an offence consisting of several particulars, a combination of some only of which constitutes a complete minor offence, and such combination is proved but the remaining particulars are not proved, he may be convicted of the minor offence although he was not charged with it. (2) Where a person is charged with an offence and facts are proved which reduce it to a minor offence, he may be convicted of the minor offence although he was not charged with it. 214 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Cap. 16 (3) For the purpose of this section, the offences specified in section 236 of the Penal Code shall, where a person is charged with the offence of attempted murder under section 225 thereof, be deemed to be minor offence. [ s. 300] Person charged with offence may be convicted of attempt - 320 Verify source ↗
Where a person is charged with an offence, he may be
AI-assisted research summary: A person charged with an offence may be convicted of attempting that offence even if not charged with the attempt.
320. Where a person is charged with an offence, he may be convicted of having attempted to commit that offence although he was not charged with the attempt. [ s. 301] Alternative verdicts in various charges involving homicide of children Cap. 16 Cap. 16 Cap. 16 Cap. 16 Cap. 16 - 321 Verify source ↗
(1) Where a woman is charged with the murder of her
AI-assisted research summary: The court may convict a person of certain lesser or alternative offences even if that offence was not charged, when the stated conditions are met.
321.–(1) Where a woman is charged with the murder of her newly born child and the court is of the opinion that she, by any wilful act or omission, caused its death but at the time of the act or omission she had not fully recovered from the effect of giving birth to the child and that by reason thereof or by reason of the effect of lactation consequent upon the birth of the child, the balance of her mind was then disturbed, she may, notwithstanding that the circumstances were such that but for the provisions of section 199 of the Penal Code she might be convicted of murder, be convicted of the offence of infanticide although she was not charged with it. (2) Where a person is charged with the murder or manslaughter of any child or with infanticide, or with an offence under section 150 or section 151 of the Penal Code, relating to the procuring of abortion or miscarriage, and the court is of the opinion that he is not guilty of murder, manslaughter or infanticide or of an offence under section 150 or section 151 of the Penal Code, but that he is guilty of the offence of child destruction under section 219 of the Penal Code, he may be convicted of that offence although he was not charged with it. (3) Where a person is charged with the offence of child destruction and the court is of the opinion that he is not guilty of that offence but that he is guilty of an offence under either section 150 or section 151 of the Penal Code, he may be convicted of that offence although he was not charged with it. 215 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] (4) Where a person is charged with the murder or infanticide of any child or with child destruction and the court is of the opinion that he is not guilty of any of the said offences but that he is guilty of the offence of concealment of birth, he may be convicted of that offence although he was not charged with it. [ s. 302] Alternative verdicts under Road Traffic Act in certain manslaughter cases Cap. 168 - 322 Verify source ↗
Where a person is charged with manslaughter in
AI-assisted research summary: A court may convict a person of a lesser road-traffic offence instead of manslaughter if the person was charged with manslaughter arising from driving and the court finds the manslaughter charge not proved.
322. Where a person is charged with manslaughter in connection with the driving of a motor vehicle by him and the court is of the opinion that he is not guilty of that offence, but that he is guilty of an offence under section 61 of the Road Traffic Act, relating to reckless or dangerous driving or careless driving, he may be convicted of an offence under either of those sections although he was not charged with it. [ s. 303] Alternative verdicts in charges of rape and kindred offences Cap. 16 Cap. 16 323-(1) Where a person is charged with an offence under section 130 or section 132 of the Penal Code and the court is of the opinion that he is not guilty of that offence but that he is guilty of an offence under section 135, 140 or 158 of the Penal Code, he may be convicted of that offence although he was not charged with it. (2) Where a person is charged with an offence under section 158 of the Penal Code and the court is of the opinion that he is not guilty of that offence but that he is guilty of an offence under section 137 of the Penal Code, he may be convicted of that offence although he was not charged with it. (3)[Omitted.] [ s. 304] Person charged with burglary, etc., may be convicted of kindred offence Cap. 16 - 324 Verify source ↗
Where a person is charged with an offence under one of
AI-assisted research summary: A court may convict a person of another offence under sections 294 to 298 even if that offence was not charged, if the court thinks the person is not guilty of the charged offence but guilty of the other one.
324. Where a person is charged with an offence under one of the sections 294 to 298 of the Penal Code and the court is of the opinion that he is not guilty of that offence but that he is guilty of any other offence under another of the said sections he may be convicted of that other offence although he was not charged with it. [ s. 305] 216 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Alternative verdicts in charges of stealing and kindred offences Cap. 16 Cap. 16 Cap. 16 Cap. 16 - 325 Verify source ↗
(1) Where a person is charged with stealing anything and
AI-assisted research summary: A court may convict a person of certain related offences even if that person was not originally charged with them.
325.–(1) Where a person is charged with stealing anything and the court is of the opinion that he is not guilty of that offence but that he is guilty of an offence in respect of that thing under one of the sections 302, 304, 311 and 312 of the Penal Code, he may be convicted of that offence although he was not charged with it. (2) Where a person is charged with an offence under section 304 of the Penal Code and the court is of the opinion that he is not guilty of that offence but that he is guilty of the offence of stealing the thing in respect of which he is charged, he may be convicted of that offence although he was not charged with it. (3) Where a person is charged with an offence under section 302 of the Penal Code and the court is of opinion that he is not guilty of that offence but that he is guilty of an offence under section 304 of the Penal Code, he may be convicted of that offence although he was not charged with it; and where a person is charged with an offence under section 304 of the Penal Code and the court is of the opinion that he is not guilty of that offence but that he is guilty of an offence under section 302 of the Penal Code, he may be convicted of that offence although he was not charged with it. (4) Where a person is charged under section 311 of the Penal Code with the offence of receiving anything and the court is of the opinion that he is not guilty of that offence but that he is guilty of retaining the thing, and when a person is charged under the said section with the offence of retaining anything and the court is of the opinion that he is not guilty of that offence but that he is guilty of receiving the thing, then he may be convicted under the provisions of the said section of retaining or receiving, although he was not so charged. [ s. 306] 217 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Alternative verdicts in charges of being in possession of property suspected of having been corruptly acquired Caps. 329 and 16 - 326 Verify source ↗
Where any person is charged with an offence under
AI-assisted research summary: A court may convict a person of an offence under section 312 of the Penal Code even if that person was not charged with it, if the person was charged under section 27(1) of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act and the court finds the section 312 offence is proved.
326. Where any person is charged with an offence under subsection (1) of section 27 of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Act and the court is of the opinion that he did not corruptly acquire or receive the property but that he is guilty of an offence under section 312 of the Penal Code in respect of that property, the court may convict him of the latter offence although he was not charged with it. [ s. 307] Construction of sections 319 to 326 Person charged with warrant offence not to be acquitted if non warrant offence proved - 327 Verify source ↗
The provisions of sections 319 to 326 shall be construed
AI-assisted research summary: Sections 319 to 326 must be read as adding to, and not limiting, other Acts and the rest of this Act; sections 320 to 326 also do not limit the generality of section 319.
327. The provisions of sections 319 to 326 shall be construed as in addition to, and not derogation of, the provisions of any other Act and the other provisions of this Act, and the provisions of sections 320 to 326 shall be construed as being without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of section 319. [ s. 308] - 328 Verify source ↗
Where in any trial for a warrant offence the facts proved
AI-assisted research summary: If, in a warrant-offence trial, the proved facts amount to a non-warrant offence, the accused is not acquitted just for that reason, and the accused cannot later be prosecuted again for a warrant offence on the same facts unless the court orders prosecution for a non-warrant offence.
328. Where in any trial for a warrant offence the facts proved in evidence amount to a non-warrant offence, the accused shall not, for that reason, be acquitted of such a warrant offence; and no person tried for such warrant offence shall be liable afterwards to be prosecuted for a warrant offence on the same facts, unless the court shall think fit, in its discretion, to direct such person to be prosecuted for a non-warrant offence, whereupon such person may be dealt with as if he had previously been put on trial for a warrant offence. [ s. 309] Right of accused to be defended - 329 Verify source ↗
Any person, accused before any criminal court, other
AI-assisted research summary: A person accused before a criminal court other than a primary court has a right to be defended by a High Court advocate, subject to any written law on advocates’ professional services.
329. Any person, accused before any criminal court, other than a primary court, may of right be defended by an advocate of the High Court subject to the provisions of any written law relating to the provision of professional services by advocate. [ s. 310] 218 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Mode of delivering judgment Act No. 2 of 2005 s. 46 B. - Judgment Generally - 330 Verify source ↗
(1) The decision of every trial of any criminal case or
AI-assisted research summary: Courts must deliver criminal judgments in open court promptly, and usually within 90 days after trial ends.
330.–(1) The decision of every trial of any criminal case or matter shall be delivered in an open court immediately or as soon as possible after termination of trial, but in any case not exceeding ninety days, of which notice shall be given to the parties or their advocates, if any, but where the decision is in writing at the time of pronouncement, the judge or magistrate may, unless objection to that course is taken by either the prosecution or the defence, explain the substance of the decision in an open court in lieu of reading such decision in full. (2) The accused person shall, if in custody, be brought up or, if not in custody, be required by the court to attend to hear judgment delivered except where his personal attendance during the trial has been dispensed with and the sentence is one of fine only or he is acquitted. (3) Subject to subsection (2), where there is more than one accused person, and one or more of them does not attend the court on the date on which the judgment is to be delivered, the judge or magistrate may, in order to avoid undue delay in the disposal of the case, deliver the judgment notwithstanding his or their absence. (4) A judgment delivered by any court shall not be deemed to be invalid by reason only of the absence of any party or his advocate on the day or from the place notified for the delivery thereof, or of any omission to serve, or defect in serving, on the parties or their advocates, or any of them, the notice of such day and place. (5) Nothing in this section shall be construed as to limit in any way the provisions of section 318. [ s. 311] Content of judgment Act No. 10 of 1989 Sch. - 331 Verify source ↗
(1) Every judgment under the provisions of section 330
AI-assisted research summary: Judgments under section 330 must be written under the presiding judge’s or magistrate’s direction, in the court’s language, and signed, dated, and set out with the decision and reasons.
331.–(1) Every judgment under the provisions of section 330 shall, except as otherwise expressly provided by this Act, be written by or reduced to writing under the personal direction and superintendence of the presiding judge or magistrate in the language of the court and shall contain the point or points 219 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Cap. 16 Copy of judgment, etc. to be given to accused or interested party on application for determination, the decision thereon and the reasons for the decision, and shall be dated and signed by the presiding officer as of the date on which it is pronounced in open court. (2) In the case of conviction, the judgment shall specify the offence of which, and the section of the Penal Code or other law under which, the accused person is convicted and the punishment to which he is sentenced. (3) In the case of an acquittal, the judgment shall state the offence of which the accused person is acquitted and shall direct that he be set at liberty. (4) Where at any stage of the trial, a court acquits an accused person, it shall require him to give his permanent address for service in case there is an appeal against his acquittal and the court shall record or cause it to be recorded. [ s. 312] - 332 Verify source ↗
(1) On the application of the accused person a copy of
AI-assisted research summary: The court must give the accused person a copy of the judgment, or a translation in the accused person’s language if practicable, without delay and free of cost on application.
332.–(1) On the application of the accused person a copy of the judgment or, when he so desires, a translation in his own language, if practicable, shall be given to him without delay and free of cost. (2) An interested party or person affected by the judgment may be provided with a copy of the judgment on application if he pays the prescribed fee unless the court, if it thinks fit for some reason, gives it to him free of cost. [ s. 313] C. – Sentences Calling upon accused (a) Passing Sentence in the High Court - 333 Verify source ↗
Where the judge convicts the accused person or if he
AI-assisted research summary: After a conviction or guilty plea, the court officer must ask the accused if they have anything to say before sentence is passed.
333. Where the judge convicts the accused person or if he pleads guilty, it shall be the duty of the Registrar or other officer of the court to ask him whether he has anything to say why sentence should not be passed upon him according to law, but the omission so to ask him shall have no effect on the validity of the proceedings. [ s. 314] 220 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] Motion in arrest of judgment - 334 Verify source ↗
(1) The accused person may, at any time before sentence,
AI-assisted research summary: The accused person may ask the court to arrest judgment before sentence, and if the court agrees the person is discharged from that information.
334.–(1) The accused person may, at any time before sentence, whether on plea of guilty or otherwise, move in arrest of judgment on the ground that the information does not, after any amendment which the court is willing and has power to make, state any offence which the court has power to try. (2) The court may, in its discretion, either hear and determine the matter during the same sitting or adjourn the hearing thereof to a future time to be fixed for that purpose. (3) Where the court decides in favour of the accused, he shall be discharged from that information. [ s. 315] Sentence - 335 Verify source ↗
Where no motion in arrest of judgment is made or if the
AI-assisted research summary: The court may sentence the accused person during the sessions if no motion in arrest of judgment is made, or if the court decides against the accused on that motion.
335. Where no motion in arrest of judgment is made or if the court decides against the accused person upon such motion, the court may sentence the accused person at any time during the sessions. [ s. 316] Power to reserve decisions on questions raised at trial - 336 Verify source ↗
The court before which any person is tried for an offence
AI-assisted research summary: The trial court may reserve its final decision on questions raised during the trial.
336. The court before which any person is tried for an offence may reserve the giving of its final decision on questions raised at the trial and its decision whenever given shall be considered as given at the time of trial. [ s. 317] Power to reserve questions arising in course of trial - 337 Verify source ↗
(1) Where any person has, in a trial before the High
AI-assisted research summary: In a High Court criminal trial, the judge may reserve a question for a panel of two or more judges, and the convicted person is held in prison unless bail is allowed.
337.–(1) Where any person has, in a trial before the High Court, been convicted of an offence, the judge may reserve and refer for the decision of a court consisting of two or more judges of the High Court any question which has arisen in the course of trial and the determination of which would affect the event of the trial. (2) Where the judge reserves any such question, the person convicted shall, pending the decision thereon, be remanded in prison or, if the judge thinks fit, be admitted to bail and the High Court shall have power to review the case or such part thereof as may be necessary and finally determine such question and thereupon to alter the sentence passed by the 221 ©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG. THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE ACT [CAP. 20 R.E. 2023] trial judge and to pass such judgment or order as the High Court may think fit. [ s. 318] Objections cured by judgment
Part
part thereof as may be necessary and finally determine such
- 338 Verify source ↗
A judgment shall not be stayed or reserved on the ground
AI-assisted research summary: A court must not delay or reserve judgment because of certain curable objections or mistakes in swearing witnesses.
338. A judgment shall not be stayed or reserved on the ground of any objection which, if stated after the information was read over to the accused person or during the progress of the trial, might have been cured by amendment by the court, nor for any informality in swearing the witnesses or any of them. [ s. 319] Evidence for arriving at proper sentence - 339 Verify source ↗
The court may, before passing the sentence, receive such
AI-assisted research summary: The court may receive evidence before sentencing to help decide the proper sentence.
339. The court may, before passing the sentence, receive such evidence as it thinks fit in order to inform itself as to the sentence proper to be passed. [ s. 320] Taking other offences into consideration
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