The appellants were jointly arraigned in the District Court of Nachingwea at Nachingwea on a charge of unlawful possession of government trophies. Both were convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for twenty (20) years.

Aggrieved with the decision, they both preferred appeals to the High Court of Tanzania at Mtwara.

The first appellant Esther Mbalale withdrew her appeal at the last moment after receiving a presidential pardon.

The second appellant prosecuted his appeal. The appeal was dismissed.