UBUSHINJACYAHA v. IRATUZI SIYO

UBUSHINJACYAHA v. IRATUZI SIYO

Testimony from a co-accused is admissible and can be the sole basis for conviction if the court finds it credible and reliable, regardless of corroboration or the witness's status as a co-accused. In this case, the court found Nyirambarushimana Christine's testimony credible and detailed, and Iratuzi Siyo Sosthène's admissions supported her account. Therefore, the conviction stands.

Citation
RPAA01216/2024/CA
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Appellant/accused: Iratuzi Siyo Sosthène; Co Accused/witness: Nyirambarushimana Christine
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
30 October 2025
Case Number
RPAA01216/2024/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment
Outcome
appeal dismissed; conviction and sentence affirmed
Legal Topics
Drug Offences, Evidentiary Value of Co Accused Testimony, Appeal Procedure
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Evidence Law Drug Offences Evidentiary Value of Co Accused Testimony Appeal Procedure

Case Brief

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Iratuzi Siyo Sosthène

Appellant/accused

Nyirambarushimana Christine

Co Accused/witness

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether conviction for drug trafficking can be based solely on the testimony of a co-accused without corroborating evidence.

Ratio Decidendi

Testimony from a co-accused is admissible and can be the sole basis for conviction if the court finds it credible and reliable, regardless of corroboration or the witness's status as a co-accused. In this case, the court found Nyirambarushimana Christine's testimony credible and detailed, and Iratuzi Siyo Sosthène's admissions supported her account. Therefore, the conviction stands.

Court Disposition

appeal dismissed; conviction and sentence affirmed

Orders

  • The appeal by Iratuzi Siyo Sosthène is dismissed as unfounded.
  • The judgment of the High Court, Rwamagana Chamber, in case RPA01622/2021/HC/RWG of 30/10/2024, is upheld.