IMIRONGO CoA March 2023 Bookllet no 6

IMIRONGO CoA March 2023 Bookllet no 6

The Court of Appeal held that a confession made during investigation, even if later retracted at trial, does not automatically lose its evidentiary value. The trial judge has the authority to evaluate the credibility and weight of such a confession, considering all the circumstances and corroborating evidence. In...

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Applicant: Ubushinjacyaha; Respondent: MANIRIHO Jacques
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
1 March 2023
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment
Outcome
Conviction upheld with sentence reduction
Legal Topics
Sexual Offences Against Minors, Evidentiary Value of Confessions, Appeals Procedure
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Evidence Law Sexual Offences Against Minors Evidentiary Value of Confessions Appeals Procedure

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Applicant

MANIRIHO Jacques

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment

  1. 1 Whether a confession made during investigation but retracted at trial is sufficient for conviction without corroborating evidence
  2. 2 Whether the trial court erred in relying on the accused's confession and other testimonies

Ratio Decidendi

The Court of Appeal held that a confession made during investigation, even if later retracted at trial, does not automatically lose its evidentiary value. The trial judge has the authority to evaluate the credibility and weight of such a confession, considering all the circumstances and corroborating evidence. In this case, the confession was consistent with other testimonies and facts, and thus was given probative value.

Court Disposition

Conviction upheld with sentence reduction

Orders

  • The sentence of life imprisonment is reduced to 15 years' imprisonment due to mitigating circumstances, including lack of prior convictions and absence of severe consequences to the victim.