UBUSHINJACYAHA v. SINDIKUBWABO N’ABANDI

UBUSHINJACYAHA v. SINDIKUBWABO N’ABANDI

There was no medical or scientific evidence confirming poisoning, and witness statements were inconsistent and insufficient. The confessions were retracted and unsupported by objective evidence. Therefore, the prosecution failed to prove the crime of poisoning beyond reasonable doubt, and the appellants must be acquitted.

Citation
RLR V. 4 - 2015
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Appellant: Sindikubwabo Antoine; Appellant: Nyiramihanda Florence
Court
Supreme Court
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
24 April 2015
Case Number
RPA 0372/10/CS
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Supreme Court Final Judgment
Outcome
Appeal allowed; appellants acquitted
Legal Topics
Poisoning, Standard of Proof, Acquittal, Evidence, Appeal Procedure
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Poisoning Standard of Proof Acquittal Evidence Appeal Procedure

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Sindikubwabo Antoine

Appellant

Nyiramihanda Florence

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Supreme Court Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether there was sufficient evidence to convict the appellants of the crime of poisoning

Ratio Decidendi

There was no medical or scientific evidence confirming poisoning, and witness statements were inconsistent and insufficient. The confessions were retracted and unsupported by objective evidence. Therefore, the prosecution failed to prove the crime of poisoning beyond reasonable doubt, and the appellants must be acquitted.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; appellants acquitted

Orders

  • Appellants to be released immediately upon pronouncement of judgment
  • Court costs to be borne by the State