Three former employees of the Dar es Salaam City Council (DCC) have appeared before a magistrate's court on charges of fraud and causing losses in excess of 600 million shillings ($374,000) to the Ubungo Bus Terminal, Tanzania's Daily News reported Wednesday (January 23rd).

The accused are Elida Mponda, 50, a former assistant accountant; Godfrey Kibesa, 36, a former revenue collector; and Ernesi Mchanga, 39, a former internal auditor. Together they face 90 counts of conspiracy and theft through their mishandling of collections.

Each of the accused pleaded not guilty and was released on bail.

According to the prosecution, the three defendants allegedly stole money collected at the Ubungo Bus Terminal, replacing the money with cheques from various companies between 2004 and 2007.

A fourth bus terminal employee, Fatiel Maleko, 61, is suspected of causing a further 348 million shillings ($217,000) in losses to his employer. His whereabouts are unknown and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.