UBUSHINJACYAHA v. MANIRAFASHA

UBUSHINJACYAHA v. MANIRAFASHA

The court found sufficient evidence, including confessions, physical evidence, and corroborating witness statements, to uphold Tuyisenge Solange's conviction for trafficking and Manirafasha Déogratias's conviction for accomplice to trafficking. The absence of direct buyers or claims of coercion did not undermine the reliability of the evidence. Sentences were reduced only in respect to fines, considering mitigating factors and statutory minimums.

Citation
RPAA00985/2024/CA-CMB RPAA01036/2024/CA
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Appellant/accused: Tuyisenge Solange; Appellant/accused: Manirafasha Déogratias
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
23 October 2025
Case Number
RPAA00985/2024/CA-CMB RPAA01036/2024/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment
Outcome
Appeal dismissed; convictions upheld; fines reduced.
Legal Topics
Drug Offences, Criminal Procedure, Sentencing, Evidentiary Standards
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Drug Offences Criminal Procedure Sentencing Evidentiary Standards

Case Brief

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Tuyisenge Solange

Appellant/accused

Manirafasha Déogratias

Appellant/accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Final Appellate Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Tuyisenge Solange should be convicted of consumption or trafficking of narcotics
  2. 2 Whether Manirafasha Déogratias was properly convicted of trafficking narcotics without sufficient evidence

Ratio Decidendi

The court found sufficient evidence, including confessions, physical evidence, and corroborating witness statements, to uphold Tuyisenge Solange's conviction for trafficking and Manirafasha Déogratias's conviction for accomplice to trafficking. The absence of direct buyers or claims of coercion did not undermine the reliability of the evidence. Sentences were reduced only in respect to fines, considering mitigating factors and statutory minimums.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed; convictions upheld; fines reduced.

Orders

  • Tuyisenge Solange convicted of trafficking cannabis; sentenced to 15 years imprisonment and fined 5,000,000 RWF.
  • Manirafasha Déogratias convicted as accomplice to trafficking cannabis; sentenced to 15 years imprisonment and fined 5,000,000 RWF.