DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 21 -- THE Sumbawanga District Court in Rukwa Region is today expected to start hearing an immigration case involving Watch Tower Church leader Jonas Simulunga (73) and nine Zambian nationals.

Simulunga, who is popularly known as "Holy Father" or "Pope", was arrested by an immigration officer at Kitika in Kasanga Ward along the shores of Lake Tanganyika in Kalambo District, Rukwa Region, for hosting illegal immigrants who allegedly entered the country without having proper travelling documents.

He and nine Zambian nationals have already appeared in court twice and pleaded guilty to the crime.

The nine illegal immigrants are Zambian nationals and Watch Tower Church followers facing charges of entering the country ille...