UBUSHINJACYAHA v. NAHIMANA

UBUSHINJACYAHA v. NAHIMANA

The conviction for defilement of a minor was improper due to insufficient admissible evidence of the complainant's age. However, the evidence established that Nahimana Muhamadi engaged in non-consensual sexual intercourse with the complainant, constituting rape under Article 134 of Law No. 68/2018. The sentence was...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RPAA 00510/2021/CA
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Appellant: Nahimana Muhamadi
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
29 August 2023
Case Number
RPAA 00510/2021/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment
Outcome
Appeal allowed in part; conviction and sentence modified.
Legal Topics
Sexual Offences, Rape, Appeal, Evidentiary Requirements
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Criminal Procedure Sexual Offences Rape Appeal Evidentiary Requirements

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Nahimana Muhamadi

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the complainant was a minor at the time of the offence
  2. 2 Whether the conviction for defilement of a minor was proper
  3. 3 Whether the acts constituted rape (non-consensual sex)

Ratio Decidendi

The conviction for defilement of a minor was improper due to insufficient admissible evidence of the complainant's age. However, the evidence established that Nahimana Muhamadi engaged in non-consensual sexual intercourse with the complainant, constituting rape under Article 134 of Law No. 68/2018. The sentence was reduced to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of 1,000,000 RWF, considering mitigating factors.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed in part; conviction and sentence modified.

Orders

  • Conviction for defilement of a minor set aside; conviction for rape substituted.
  • Nahimana Muhamadi sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of 1,000,000 RWF.