Roman Catholic priest arraigned in Tanzania law court for sexually assaulting children

MOSHI, Tanzania

A Tanzania Roman Catholic priest, Sosthenes Soka was arraigned in the Resident Magistrate’s Court in Moshi on Monday September 26 over allegations of raping and sexually assaulting more than 10 children.

Roman Catholic priest, Sosthenes Soka (in pink) under police escort

The 41 years-old priest of Saint Dionis Aropagita, diocese of Moshi in the northern Tanzania had been in police custody since September 20 and was charged with three counts of sexual assault.

His arraignment came after he was accused of giving a Standard Six pupil and a Form One student Tsh3,000 ($1.29) and Tsh5,000 ($2.14), respectively, for sexual favours.

The children had been attending First Holy Communion and Confirmation classes in the church.

Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu said “it is a disgraceful incident”.

Parents had raised the alarm that the priest had abused many students and planned to march in protest to Prime Minister’s office before the priest was arrested.

Sources said that the parents had reported the allegations to the leadership of the Catholic Church in Moshi and to the police.