Man in docks after Banana Raha Wine scam

by Happy Lazaro

A resident of Unga Limited area, Christian Shemsika (41), has appeared in court for allegedly counterfeiting a trademark of a local brew and using it to sell an alcoholic drink of unknown quality.

Public prosecutor, Inspector Mohammed Kitia who read the charges before the court presided by District Magistrate, Didas Mlay stated that the forged trademark belonged to the Kijenge-based -Banana Investments Limited winery.

Inspector Kitia noted that the accused was arrested on the 31^st of August this year, with his own alcoholic drink which bore the trademark label of "Banana Raha Wine" a brand of the Banana Investments Limited.

It was also reported that, prior to the accused’s arrest that Sunday evening in Unga Limited area, he had been peddling his own home brew under the forged label of "Banana Raha Wine".

Shemsika denied the charges. The accused is currently out on Tsh.500,000 bail bond with one surety.

His case is set to come up for mention on the 11^th of November this year. Meanwhile, the Police are still investigating the issue.

Last modified: October 30, 2003.
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