MUKASHEMA v. AKAYEZU

MUKASHEMA v. AKAYEZU

The Supreme Court held that the High Court erred in relying on evidence submitted after the hearing was closed without reopening proceedings. Mukashema had no right to sell the house as she was not the owner, and Akayezu, as buyer, knew or should have known the seller was not the owner. Therefore, no compensation is...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RCAA 0040/15/CS
Parties
Appellant: Mukashema Catherine; Respondent: Akayezu Marie Rose
Court
Supreme Court
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
29 April 2016
Case Number
RCAA 0040/15/CS
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Supreme Court Final Judgment
Outcome
Appeal partially allowed; cross-appeal dismissed.
Legal Topics
Sale of Property, Ownership Rights, Compensation for Invalid Sale, Admissibility of Evidence, Succession
Source Language
rw
Civil Law Property Law Contract Law Sale of Property Ownership Rights Compensation for Invalid Sale Admissibility of Evidence Succession

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Parties

Mukashema Catherine

Appellant

Akayezu Marie Rose

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Supreme Court Final Judgment

  1. 1 Whether evidence submitted after closure of hearing can be relied upon without reopening proceedings
  2. 2 Whether Mukashema had the right to sell the disputed house
  3. 3 Whether Akayezu is entitled to compensation from Mukashema

Ratio Decidendi

The Supreme Court held that the High Court erred in relying on evidence submitted after the hearing was closed without reopening proceedings. Mukashema had no right to sell the house as she was not the owner, and Akayezu, as buyer, knew or should have known the seller was not the owner. Therefore, no compensation is due beyond the original sale price, and Akayezu is liable for court costs.

Court Disposition

Appeal partially allowed; cross-appeal dismissed.

Orders

  • The judgment of the High Court (RCA 0045/15/HC/NYA) is modified.
  • Mukashema Catherine is not liable to pay compensation to Akayezu Marie Rose.