UBUSHINJACYAHA v. MBARUSHIMANA

UBUSHINJACYAHA v. MBARUSHIMANA

The appellate court found that the conviction for possession and trafficking of cannabis was correct based on the accused's confession during investigation, corroborated by witness testimony and the large quantity of cannabis seized. The sentence of 15 years' imprisonment was appropriate and could not be further...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RPAA 00349/2023/CA 01
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Appellant: Mbarushimana Jackson
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
30 January 2025
Case Number
RPAA 00349/2023/CA 01
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment
Outcome
partially allowed
Legal Topics
Drug Offences, Sentencing, Appeals, Evidentiary Value of Confessions
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Drug Offences Sentencing Appeals Evidentiary Value of Confessions

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Mbarushimana Jackson

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the conviction for possession and trafficking of cannabis was correct given the facts and confessions
  2. 2 Whether the sentence imposed should be further reduced

Ratio Decidendi

The appellate court found that the conviction for possession and trafficking of cannabis was correct based on the accused's confession during investigation, corroborated by witness testimony and the large quantity of cannabis seized. The sentence of 15 years' imprisonment was appropriate and could not be further reduced, but the fine was reduced to 5,000,000 Frw in accordance with the law allowing mitigation for first offenders and proportionality.

Court Disposition

partially allowed

Orders

  • Conviction for possession and trafficking of cannabis upheld.
  • Sentence of 15 years' imprisonment maintained.