UBUSHINJACYAHA v. HABANABAKIZE

UBUSHINJACYAHA v. HABANABAKIZE

The conviction for consumption and trafficking of cannabis and cocaine was quashed because the search and seizure at the defendant's home was conducted without the legally required warrant or presence of local authorities, rendering all resulting evidence inadmissible. Furthermore, no cocaine was found or seized,...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RPAA 00241/2022/CA
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Defendant: HABANABAKIZE Selaiman alias Addy
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
30 November 2022
Case Number
RPAA 00241/2022/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Final Judgment
Outcome
Appeal allowed; conviction quashed; defendant acquitted and released immediately.
Legal Topics
Illegal Search and Seizure, Drug Offences, Evidentiary Rules, Appeal Procedure
Criminal Law Criminal Procedure Illegal Search and Seizure Drug Offences Evidentiary Rules Appeal Procedure

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

HABANABAKIZE Selaiman alias Addy

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Final Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the conviction for consumption and trafficking of cannabis and cocaine was based on legally admissible evidence
  2. 2 Whether the search and seizure at the defendant's home complied with legal requirements
  3. 3 Whether the testimonies used were legally valid and sufficient to convict

Ratio Decidendi

The conviction for consumption and trafficking of cannabis and cocaine was quashed because the search and seizure at the defendant's home was conducted without the legally required warrant or presence of local authorities, rendering all resulting evidence inadmissible. Furthermore, no cocaine was found or seized, and the testimonies relied upon were either hearsay or not properly sworn, failing to meet the evidentiary standard required for conviction.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; conviction quashed; defendant acquitted and released immediately.

Orders

  • The judgment of the High Court in case RPA 00195/2020/HC/KIG is set aside in its entirety.
  • HABANABAKIZE Selaiman alias Addy is acquitted of all charges of consumption and trafficking of cannabis and cocaine.