UBUSHINJACYAHA v. HARERIMANA

UBUSHINJACYAHA v. HARERIMANA

The court found that although Harerimana was found with a small quantity of cannabis, the circumstances (hiding in a charcoal bag in a shop, inconsistent explanations) indicated intent to distribute, justifying conviction for possession with intent. However, the sentence of 25 years imprisonment and a 20,000,000 Frw...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RPAA 00352/2023/CA
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Defendant: Harerimana Emmanuel
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
20 December 2024
Case Number
RPAA 00352/2023/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment
Outcome
Appeal partially allowed; conviction upheld, sentence reduced.
Legal Topics
Drug Offences, Sentencing, Appeals, Proportionality of Punishment
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Drug Offences Sentencing Appeals Proportionality of Punishment

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Harerimana Emmanuel

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the defendant should be convicted of possession or mere finding of narcotics
  2. 2 Whether the sentence imposed was proportionate to the offence

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that although Harerimana was found with a small quantity of cannabis, the circumstances (hiding in a charcoal bag in a shop, inconsistent explanations) indicated intent to distribute, justifying conviction for possession with intent. However, the sentence of 25 years imprisonment and a 20,000,000 Frw fine was disproportionate given the small quantity and first offence, warranting reduction to 16 years imprisonment and a 5,000,000 Frw fine.

Court Disposition

Appeal partially allowed; conviction upheld, sentence reduced.

Orders

  • Sentence reduced to 16 years imprisonment and a fine of 5,000,000 Frw.
  • Defendant exempted from court costs due to being in custody.