Former PCCB officer emerges

PREVENTION and Combating of Corruption Bureau’s (PCCB) former Chief Accountant Godfrey Gugai who was reportedly in hiding yesterday surrendered himself at the bureau’s offices.


He made his public appearance barely a day after PCCB had on Monday claimed that Gugai had escaped investigations over the unexplained wealth he has allegedly amassed, illegally.

The anti-graft agency announced 10m/- bounty for anyone capable of giving helpful information that would lead to the suspect’s arrest.

Gugai appeared publicly in Dar es Salaam and spoke to the ‘Daily News’ and a local television station, saying he was heading to PCCB headquarters after hearing the announcement.In interviews, he dismissed as unfounded claims that he had escaped the probe, saying he was visibly available.

“As a human being, father and somebody highly dependable in my community, I received information on me being on the ‘wanted’ list with grief...I am always available, I haven’t gone anywhere because I have nothing to run away from,” he explained.

Gugai expressed concern over PCCB claims that he had fled the country, possibly to the Democratic Republic of Congo. “It’s sad for a sensitive, powerful and authoritative institution like PCCB to fail to reach me, I am here and have never gone to any country,” he complained. Speaking over the announced cash prize for an informer, Gugai said no one should emerge to claim the money.

“Let that money be channeled to other good uses in improving social services like health…I confirm to my relatives and friends that I have presented myself to PCCB, leaving the issues on hand for the court to decide,” he said.

PCCB’s Public relation Officer, Mussa Misalaba confirmed that Gugai showed up at the bureau’s headquarters yesterday morning. Mr Misalaba added that Mr Gugai would be taken to court any time from today.

Early on the day, before the news of his appearance broke, PCCB had issued a statement, saying it will embark on legal procedures to confiscate the properties unless Gugai showed up within one week.

He is accused of possessing five cars, seven one-storey buildings in Dar es Salaam, over five normal houses and 33 plots in different regions.

All the properties have been frozen through court order, pending investigations, which started last May to establish how he acquired the wealth as a public servant.

PCCB Deputy Director General Brigadier General John Mbungo assured that justice will prevail if the suspect proves that he illegally acquired the wealth.

He noted that the probe on Gugai was part of the government fight against corruption, money laundering and other evils.