UBUSHINJACYAHA v BIZIMANA

UBUSHINJACYAHA v BIZIMANA

Bizimana Sosthène's own admissions and corroborating witness statements established that he was engaged in drug trafficking, not mere possession; the sentence of 15 years' imprisonment and a fine of 5,000,000 Frw was already the minimum permitted by law due to mitigating circumstances and could not be further reduced.

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RPAA 00226/2025/CA
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Appellant: Bizimana Sosthène
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
17 October 2025
Case Number
RPAA 00226/2025/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment
Outcome
appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Drug Trafficking, Sentencing, Change of Charge, Mitigating Circumstances
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Drug Trafficking Sentencing Change of Charge Mitigating Circumstances

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Bizimana Sosthène

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the charge against Bizimana Sosthène should be changed from drug trafficking to simple possession of narcotics
  2. 2 Whether the sentence imposed on Bizimana Sosthène should be further reduced

Ratio Decidendi

Bizimana Sosthène's own admissions and corroborating witness statements established that he was engaged in drug trafficking, not mere possession; the sentence of 15 years' imprisonment and a fine of 5,000,000 Frw was already the minimum permitted by law due to mitigating circumstances and could not be further reduced.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed

Orders

  • The appeal by Bizimana Sosthène is dismissed as unfounded.
  • The judgment of the High Court/Nyanza Chamber in case RPA 00925/2021/HC/NYZ dated 12/02/2025 is upheld in all respects.