R v Mebe and Another (CRI/A 30 of 93) [1995] LSCA 34 (13 February 1995)

R v Mebe and Another (CRI/A 30 of 93) [1995] LSCA 34 (13 February 1995)

The conviction was unsafe due to insufficient and unreliable identification evidence, factual misdirections by the trial court, and failure by the prosecution to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. The benefit of the doubt should have been given to the appellants.

Citation
[1995] LSCA 34
Parties
Appellant: 'Mebe 'Mebe; Appellant: Teboho Nauoe; Respondent: Rex
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Lesotho
Judgment Date
13 February 1995
Case Number
CRI/A 30 of 93
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal
Outcome
appeal allowed; convictions and sentences set aside
Legal Topics
Rape, Identification Evidence, Burden of Proof, Misdirection, Appellate Review
Source Language
English

Case Brief

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Parties

'Mebe 'Mebe

Appellant

Teboho Nauoe

Appellant

Rex

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Judgment on Appeal

  1. 1 Whether the identification evidence was sufficient to sustain a conviction for rape
  2. 2 Whether the trial court misdirected itself on the facts and law
  3. 3 Whether the prosecution discharged the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt

Ratio Decidendi

The conviction was unsafe due to insufficient and unreliable identification evidence, factual misdirections by the trial court, and failure by the prosecution to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. The benefit of the doubt should have been given to the appellants.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed; convictions and sentences set aside

Orders

  • Appellants' convictions and sentences are set aside.
  • Appellants' appeal deposits to be refunded.