Begging existed even during the era of Jesus Christ, beggars claim
By Matilda Kirenga
About 20 beggars asking for alms in Arusha’s streets were
recently charged in a Primary Court allegedly for loitering and begging in
public places.
The Court Magistrate, Mr. Patrick Maligana said that the
persons were being charged of loitering in various public places of the
Municipality which is an offence under the Human Resources Deployment Act Number
6 of 1973 , commonly known as 'Nguvu Kazi Act'.
Responding to the Magistrate, the alleged beggars adamantly
said that begging is a legitimate activity and were not ready to relinquish it
since it is their only source of income.
"Begging is legitimate and it existed since the era of Jesus
Christ," claimed one of the beggars.
The arraigned beggars were sent back to custody as they lacked
sureties to back their bail. They are expected to appear in court for another
mention of their case on March 9.
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