Catholic Priest in Tanzania Suspended Over Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors

He adds, “Justice will take its course and the church will cooperate to ensure that those who have been wronged are treated fairly.”

The TEC Secretary General further says, “The Catholic Church is against acts of sexual abuse of children, because it is supposed to be a safe place for all people.”

“We admit that this is a problem, we have more than 3,000 priests in this country, but among them, you find those with weaknesses and shortcomings, that's why this happens,” he added.

In the September 29 report, Fr. Kitima says the Church considers the issue of sexual abuse of minors “a bad thing because it causes great doubts among parents and children.”

“When children go for (First Holy) Communion teachings, they hope that they will find someone who will nurture them spiritually, but when they are treated with things contrary to their goals, it becomes a big disappointment,” the Tanzanian Priest says.

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Fr. Kitima continues, “We as a church are disappointed with the bad behavior of individuals, which goes against what we are expected to build – to build a person with good morals.”

He says that Fr. Soka will remain suspended “until the allegations against him are cleared.”

In the first country, Fr. Soka allegedly sodomized a 12-year-old child; the second count involved a 13-year-old child, while the third count was about another 12-year-old child, The Citizen has reported. 

The Tanzania entity has also reported that September 26 court “said the bail is open and asked the defendant to have one guarantor who will sign a bond of Sh2.5 million (US$1,068.00).”

Fr. Soka is said to have “fulfilled the bail conditions of having two sureties”, The Citizen reported, adding that the case was adjourned to October 18.