S v Kau and Others (SA 1 of 1993) [1993] NASC 2 (15 October 1993)

S v Kau and Others (SA 1 of 1993) [1993] NASC 2 (15 October 1993)

The cumulative effect of the magistrate's failure to inform the appellants of their right to legal representation, to explain the presumption in section 85(2), and to adequately explain other procedural rights constituted fatal irregularities resulting in a failure of justice and an unfair trial. The convictions and...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[1993] NASC 2
Parties
Appellant: Tobias Kau; Appellant: Aiel Xao Kgao; Appellant: Kleinbooi Stiche; Appellant: NC Emsje Xosje; Appellant: Kgao Tsascje; Appellant: N#amshe; Appellant: Xosje Nemsje; Appellant: N#an#i Cwi; Appellant: Xgao Cwi; Appellant: Cwi T#it#e; Appellant: Asser N#ao; Appellant: Moses TseMKXao Gao; Appellant: Cwi Xau; Appellant: Xgau CiuAE; Appellant: Cwi N#ouda; Appellant: Xao Ciqae; Respondent: The State
Court
Supreme Court
Jurisdiction
Namibia
Judgment Date
15 October 1993
Case Number
SA 1 of 1993
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment
Outcome
appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Right to Fair Trial, Right to Legal Representation, Admissibility of Admissions, Presumption of Authority, Irregularities in Criminal Procedure
Source Language
english
Criminal Law Constitutional Law Right to Fair Trial Right to Legal Representation Admissibility of Admissions Presumption of Authority Irregularities in Criminal Procedure

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 21 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Tobias Kau

Appellant

Aiel Xao Kgao

Appellant

Kleinbooi Stiche

Appellant

NC Emsje Xosje

Appellant

Kgao Tsascje

Appellant

N#amshe

Appellant

Xosje Nemsje

Appellant

N#an#i Cwi

Appellant

Xgao Cwi

Appellant

Cwi T#it#e

Appellant

Asser N#ao

Appellant

Moses TseMKXao Gao

Appellant

Cwi Xau

Appellant

Xgau CiuAE

Appellant

Cwi N#ouda

Appellant

Xao Ciqae

Appellant

The State

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the failure to inform unrepresented accused of their right to legal representation vitiated the trial
  2. 2 Whether the trial magistrate's failure to explain the presumption in section 85(2) of the Nature Conservation Ordinance 4 of 1975 constituted a fatal irregularity
  3. 3 Whether the evidence was sufficient to sustain the convictions

Ratio Decidendi

The cumulative effect of the magistrate's failure to inform the appellants of their right to legal representation, to explain the presumption in section 85(2), and to adequately explain other procedural rights constituted fatal irregularities resulting in a failure of justice and an unfair trial. The convictions and sentences could not stand.

Court Disposition

appeal allowed

Orders

  • Convictions and sentences set aside