NSHIMYUMUREMYI v NGENDAHAYO N’ABANDI

NSHIMYUMUREMYI v NGENDAHAYO N’ABANDI

Sales by Ngendahayo Abias to Rukatinduru Oswald and Nsanzabandi Fabrice were void as he only had management, not ownership rights, and buyers did not act in good faith; other buyers acquired property in good faith and cannot be disturbed. Damages are awarded only against those who acted in bad faith.

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RCAA00009/2019/CA
Parties
Applicant: Nshimyumuremyi Matusalem; Respondent: Ngendahayo Abias; Respondent: Rukatinduru Oswald; Respondent: Nirere Afisa; Respondent: Habimana Augustin; Respondent: Bagirishya Sefu; Respondent: Mukanyangezi Hasina; Respondent: Minani Jean Pierre; Respondent: Nsanzabandi Fabrice; Respondent: Nyirindekwe Rukiya
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
3 March 2020
Case Number
RCAA00009/2019/CA
Procedural Posture
Civil Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment
Outcome
Appeal partially allowed; judgment of High Court modified as to Rukatinduru Oswald and Nsanzabandi Fabrice; other parts affirmed.
Legal Topics
Res Judicata, Reopening of Proceedings, Sale of Property Not Owned, Inheritance, Damages, Burden of Proof
Source Language
rw
Civil Procedure Property Law Family Law Res Judicata Reopening of Proceedings Sale of Property Not Owned Inheritance Damages +1 more

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Parties

Nshimyumuremyi Matusalem

Applicant

Ngendahayo Abias

Respondent

Rukatinduru Oswald

Respondent

Nirere Afisa

Respondent

Habimana Augustin

Respondent

Bagirishya Sefu

Respondent

Mukanyangezi Hasina

Respondent

Minani Jean Pierre

Respondent

Nsanzabandi Fabrice

Respondent

Nyirindekwe Rukiya

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Civil Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the claim was time-barred and should have been received at first instance
  2. 2 Whether the reopening of proceedings at the High Court was justified
  3. 3 Whether buyers acquired property in bad faith

Ratio Decidendi

Sales by Ngendahayo Abias to Rukatinduru Oswald and Nsanzabandi Fabrice were void as he only had management, not ownership rights, and buyers did not act in good faith; other buyers acquired property in good faith and cannot be disturbed. Damages are awarded only against those who acted in bad faith.

Court Disposition

Appeal partially allowed; judgment of High Court modified as to Rukatinduru Oswald and Nsanzabandi Fabrice; other parts affirmed.

Orders

  • Sales between Ngendahayo Abias and Rukatinduru Oswald, and between Ngendahayo Abias and Nsanzabandi Fabrice, declared void; property to revert to Mushumba Esri and Mukakimanuka family estate.
  • Title documents for property sold by Ngendahayo Abias to Rukatinduru Oswald and Nsanzabandi Fabrice to be registered in names of Mushumba Esri and Mukakimanuka heirs.