UBUSHINJACYAHA v HAKIZIMANA

UBUSHINJACYAHA v HAKIZIMANA

The appellate court found that the accused failed to rebut the prosecution's evidence, including the victim's testimony, corroborating witnesses, and the medical report. Minor discrepancies in timing and witness statements did not undermine the core finding that the accused committed the offence. The documentary...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RPAA 00265/2023/CA
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Defendant: Hakizimana Yves
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
29 May 2025
Case Number
RPAA 00265/2023/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment (court of Appeal)
Outcome
Appeal dismissed; conviction and sentence affirmed.
Legal Topics
Evidence in Criminal Trials, Sexual Offences Against Minors, Standard of Proof, Alibi Defence, Appellate Review
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Evidence in Criminal Trials Sexual Offences Against Minors Standard of Proof Alibi Defence Appellate Review

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Hakizimana Yves

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment (court of Appeal)

  1. 1 Whether the lower courts failed to consider exculpatory evidence presented by the accused
  2. 2 Whether inconsistencies in the timing of the alleged offence undermine the conviction
  3. 3 Whether the conviction was based on unreliable or contradictory witness testimony

Ratio Decidendi

The appellate court found that the accused failed to rebut the prosecution's evidence, including the victim's testimony, corroborating witnesses, and the medical report. Minor discrepancies in timing and witness statements did not undermine the core finding that the accused committed the offence. The documentary evidence presented by the accused was insufficient to establish an alibi, and the lower courts properly evaluated all relevant evidence. The conviction and sentence were upheld.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed; conviction and sentence affirmed.

Orders

  • The judgment of the High Court, Rwamagana Chamber, sentencing Hakizimana Yves to 20 years' imprisonment for defilement is upheld.
  • Court costs are to be borne by the State as the appellant was in custody and exempt from payment.