UBUSHINJACYAHA v. MURINDAHABI

UBUSHINJACYAHA v. MURINDAHABI

The court found that Murindahabi's confession to drug trafficking was voluntary and corroborated by witness testimony. The evidence established that he was engaged in selling cannabis to students, not merely possessing it for personal use. However, considering the small quantity (16 boules) and short duration (2...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RPAA 00293/2021/CA
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Defendant: Murindahabi Jean de Dieu
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
15 August 2022
Case Number
RPAA 00293/2021/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment
Outcome
Appeal partially allowed (sentence reduced)
Legal Topics
Drug Trafficking, Evidentiary Value of Confessions, Sentencing, Appeal Procedure
Criminal Law Drug Trafficking Evidentiary Value of Confessions Sentencing Appeal Procedure

Source-derived case record

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 8 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 3
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Murindahabi Jean de Dieu

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the defendant's confession was coerced and should be excluded as evidence
  2. 2 Whether the defendant should be convicted of drug trafficking or mere possession
  3. 3 Appropriateness of sentence imposed

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that Murindahabi's confession to drug trafficking was voluntary and corroborated by witness testimony. The evidence established that he was engaged in selling cannabis to students, not merely possessing it for personal use. However, considering the small quantity (16 boules) and short duration (2 months) of trafficking, the sentence was reduced to 20 years' imprisonment and a fine of 10,000,000 Frw.

Court Disposition

Appeal partially allowed (sentence reduced)

Orders

  • Conviction for drug trafficking (cannabis) upheld
  • Sentence reduced to 20 years' imprisonment and a fine of 10,000,000 Frw